Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

What is Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease?

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare, progressive, degenerative brain disorder caused by prions, which are abnormal proteins found in the body and brain. It is one of a group of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). CJD is typically diagnosed in people aged 60 and older, but it can also occur in younger individuals. Symptoms usually include a rapid decline in cognitive functioning, dementia, muscle jerking or spasms, problems with balance and coordination, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, difficulty swallowing, visual disturbances such as blindness or double vision and seizures.

Difficulties Faced By Patients With Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease 

Patients with CJD face many difficult challenges due to its progression and its effects on the body and mind. Cognitive issues such as confusion, disorientation and memory loss are common. These symptoms can be compounded by physical symptoms such as muscle jerking or spasms that make it difficult for patients to perform everyday activities such as dressing themselves or writing. Some patients also experience visual disturbances including blindness or double vision which can cause great distress that affects their quality of life. In more advanced stages of CJD patients may become increasingly weak leading to immobility and the inability to communicate verbally or follow instructions.

Aeon Nursing Approach to Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease 

At Aeon Nursing we understand the complex needs of patients with CJD and their families.

Our team provides comprehensive care services tailored to each individual’s unique needs from diagnosis to end-of-life care. We strive to ensure our clients receive timely access to the best possible treatments while offering compassion and support at every stage of their journey. Our nurses assess physical symptoms carefully so they can intervene with medications quickly when needed while providing comfort measures like massage therapy for pain control and relaxation techniques for anxiety management. Our team also provides extensive education about the disease process so that both patient and family members understand what to expect over time allowing them better prepare for any changes that may arise in their loved one’s condition. We recognise that this is an incredibly difficult time for our clients so we provide emotional support through supportive counselling services tailored specifically for those affected by CJD ensuring they feel secure knowing they are taken care of during this trying period in their lives