Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

Abstract

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare disease associated with neurodegeneration mostly characterized by damage to the neurons. CJD is caused by aggregation of misfolded proteins known as prions; thus, CJD is said to be a prion-related illness. CJD and other prion-related illnesses such as Kuru and Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker disease (GSS) have been reported to have complex mechanisms due to their association with the brain and the nervous system in general. A lot of questions have been raised about the mechanism, diagnosis, and pathogenesis of this disease. The complexity of prion proteins themselves have contributed to more questions about the complications of CJD, whether misfolding of the prions are responsible for neurodegeneration or the misfolding are mere symptoms of the disease. This chapter attempts to explore some details about CJD and answers most related questions about the disease's mechanism. The author finally attempts to explore recent development in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of CJD.