How is CJD treated??

There is no treatment other than supportive care. The vast majority of patients die within one year of onset of illness.

CJD Deaths by Year
Number of CJD-related Deaths and CJD Mortality Rates by Age Group
Mortality Rates by Age Group and Year of Death
Check out this website which illustrates the mortality statistics well.
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/cjd/cjdtrends.pdf

Being that there is no treatment or anything for CJD was the most heart-wrenching part of the disease when caring for my dad. We had never heard anything about it, my dad wasn't able to voice what he needed and the doctors gave very little assistance. We were basically on our own and that is not easy to do when your trying to ease the suffering of your loved one.

This disease is rare so they say, but I think it is more common than we know. Being able to have information and resources on how to detect the disease at early stages will definitely help in the process of finding treatment. Please support this search for more answers.

These are the common initial symptoms of CJD?

insomnia (difficulty sleeping),
depression,
confusion,
personality and behavioral changes,
and problems with eyesight, memory, and coordination.


As the disease progresses patients develop rapid dementia followed by involuntary muscle jerking (myoclonus).


In the end stages of the disease, muscle weakness and coordination worsen and patients lose their eyesight and ability to talk.


Prior to death, patients lose all mental and physical functions, leading to coma.

Please check out this website which has a very informative video about CJD.
http://memory.ucsf.edu/cjd. (Thanks Caroline!)

Much love to all,
Lacy