Prion Disease: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention narayanahealth.org
Prion diseases, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), are rare neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the accumulation of abnormal prion proteins in the brain. These proteins cause normal proteins to misfold, leading to progressive neurological symptoms including rapid cognitive decline, muscle stiffness, coordination problems, and eventually, death. The exact cause of prion diseases is not fully understood, but they can be acquired through exposure to contaminated tissue or inherited due to genetic mutations. Unfortunately, there is currently no effective treatment for prion diseases, and management focuses on alleviating symptoms and providing supportive care. Prevention measures include avoiding consumption of contaminated meat products, proper sterilization of medical instruments, and implementing strict infection control protocols in healthcare settings.
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