Symptom 9: Difficulty Swallowing
Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, is a common symptom of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, particularly in the later stages of the disease. This can result in challenges with eating and drinking, leading to malnutrition, dehydration, or aspiration pneumonia.
Dysphagia in CJD patients can manifest as difficulty initiating a swallow, choking or coughing while eating, or a sensation of food becoming stuck in the throat. This can make it challenging for patients to consume adequate nutrition and maintain their overall health.
As the disease progresses, swallowing difficulties may worsen, necessitating the use of modified diets or feeding tubes to ensure proper nutrition and hydration. (8)