Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?

The classic form of CJD causes rapid, progressive dementia. The individual becomes increasingly more confused and disoriented. The person may have visual and speech impairments, muscle spasms, and personality changes.

New variant CJD has different symptoms from the classic form. Early in the course of the disease, the person may have psychiatric disorders and altered sensations. Later, the person can develop ataxia, or difficulty walking. Muscle spasms and dementia show up late in the illness. There may be visual impairments, paralysis, and sleep disorders.