Type 7. Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: A Rare Intruder
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) is a very rare and fatal form of dementia that affects about one in every one million people worldwide. It is characterized by rapidly progressing symptoms, leading to severe impairment and death typically within a year of onset.
People with CJD experience severe memory loss, often appearing suddenly and progressing rapidly. They may also have visual disturbances, including blurred vision or blindness. As the disease progresses, individuals may exhibit involuntary muscle movements, confusion, and difficulty speaking or swallowing.
One particularly distressing feature of CJD is its rapid progression. Unlike most other types of dementia, which develop slowly over several years, CJD can lead to severe impairment within months. This rapid decline can be extremely distressing for the individual and their loved ones and requires immediate medical intervention. (7)
