Symptoms and Types of CJD - Prion Diseases in Humans

 An MD and former internal medicine physician at Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport, Oregon, Dr. Joshua “Josh” Estep was responsible for providing comprehensive care for his patients. He currently practices at Elbert Memorial Hospital in Elberton, Georgia. Josh Estep, MD, has made contributions that extend beyond patient care, such as his research focused on prion diseases.

Humans can develop a few types of prion diseases, including Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Like every other prion disease, CJD is a neurodegenerative condition that occurs when certain proteins with abnormal structures, called prions, accumulate in the brain.

The signs and symptoms of CJD include forgetfulness, hallucinations or delusions, personality changes, disorientation, and vision problems. Symptoms stem from the parts of the brain where the abnormal protein occurs. If the proteins accumulate in areas that control locomotion and balance, signs and symptoms like gait problems, muscle spasms, wasting, seizures, and paralysis may occur.

There are four major types of CJD - sporadic CJD, variant CJD, genetic CJD, and acquired CJD. The most common type is sporadic CJD - a CJD that happens for unknown reasons. About 85 to 90 percent of CJDs are sporadic. Variant CJD results from the consumption of contaminated beef. The second most common CJD, genetic CJD, is an inherited type of CJD that is linked to certain genetic mutations. Acquired CJD stems from exposure to a contaminated tissue specimen or organ during tissue grafting or organ transplant surgery or from exposure to contaminated surgical equipment.