CLINICALLY PROBABLE SPORADIC CREUTZFELDT JAKOB DISEASE (CJD)

Abstract

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) stands at the forefront of neurodegenerative disorders, characterized by rapid progression and devastating neurological deterioration. This review encapsulates the current understanding of CJD, encompassing its epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic modalities. While classified into sporadic, familial, iatrogenic, and variant forms, sporadic CJD remains the most prevalent, with a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and stochastic factors contributing to its onset. The misfolding of cellular prion proteins (PrPC) into pathological conformers (PrPSc) serves as a hallmark event, instigating a cascade of neurotoxic processes, including protein aggregation, synaptic dysfunction, and neuronal death. Clinically, CJD manifests with a triad of progressive dementia, myoclonus, and characteristic electroencephalographic findings, presenting diagnostic challenges due to its heterogeneous symptomatology and overlap with other neurodegenerative conditions. However, advancements in biomarker identification, neuroimaging techniques, and cerebrospinal fluid analyses hold promise for enhancing early detection and differential diagnosis. Despite extensive research, therapeutic interventions for CJD remain limited, primarily focusing on symptomatic management and palliative care. Nevertheless, emerging strategies targeting prion propagation, immunotherapy, and gene editing offer potential avenues for disease modification and treatment. The profound impact of CJD on affected individuals, families, and healthcare systems underscores the imperative for continued research efforts aimed at unraveling its intricate pathophysiology and developing effective interventions to alleviate its burden.