Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: two case studies.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rapidly progressive, neurodegenerative disorder causing dramatic neuromuscular symptoms, profound dementia, and death. In this article, the epidemiology, etiology, modes of transmission, clinical manifestations, determination of possible/probable CJD diagnosis in life, and the postmortem neuropathology of definite CJD are discussed in depth. Case studies of two individuals, each affected by different subtypes of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD), are presented, along with a discussion of the many challenging nursing and psychosocial issues surrounding the supportive care of these individuals and families in life and death.
Rentz
Clarissa A
CA
Greater Cincinnati Chapter, Alzheimer's Association, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
D000368:Aged; D007562:Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged