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CJD
A guide for patients and carers
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How is CJD treated?
There is currently no cure for any form of CJD. Claims for a variety of drugs have been made in the past, including some which received high profile media attention, but these have not been validated.There are drugs which are promising on theoretical grounds and some of these are now being properly evaluated in clinical trials.Your neurologist will be able to tell you if there are any trials for which you or the person you are caring for are eligible.
A very small number of people could be identified as being at risk of CJD because they have been exposed to infectious agents or have a genetic predisposition to the condition. However, there are as yet no drugs known to prevent development of the disease in these people.
There are, however, many symptomatic treatments, which help to relieve the problems associated with CJD. Anxiety, agitation and restlessness may be reduced with sedatives and depression treated with antidepressants.There is also effective pain relief, if needed, as well as drugs to treat muscle "jumping" (myoclonus).
There are, however, many symptomatic treatments, which help to relieve the problems associated with CJD. Anxiety, agitation and restlessness may be reduced with sedatives and depression treated with antidepressants.There is also effective pain relief, if needed, as well as drugs to treat muscle "jumping" (myoclonus).
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Contents
- Introduction
- What is CJD?
- What are the different types of CJD?
- What precautions do I need to take to stop CJD spreading?
- Can I get CJD from eating meat?
- How does the brain of someone with CJD differ from normal?
- What causes CJD?
- What does "genetic susceptibility" to CJD mean?
- Is there a genetic test for CJD?
- Can CJD be avoided, and is it catching?
- What are the symptoms of CJD, and how does the disease progress?
- How is CJD diagnosed?
- Are other conditions easily mistaken for CJD?
- How is CJD treated?
- What impact can CJD have on families of poepl with the condition?
- What support is available for carers of people with CJD?
- Conclusion
- Organisations that may be able to help
- Your feedback on CJD: A guide for patients and carers
