Human Form of Mad Cow Disease: Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)

Overview

• Disease Impact: Rare disease affecting approximately 1 in 1 million people.
• Case Study: Tony Gibson, a 32-year-old father from Lebanon, was diagnosed with CJD, altering his life and his family's forever.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

• Initial Symptoms: Tony exhibited unusual behavior and forgetfulness.
  • Example: Needed room labels, got lost while going to the grocery store.
• Diagnosis: After extensive testing at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, a neurologist diagnosed Tony with CJD.

About CJD

• Definition: Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a rare brain disorder.
  • Sometimes referred to as the human form of mad cow disease.
• Prevalence: Impacts about 300 people annually in the U.S.
• Symptoms: Includes anxiety, depression, confusion, progressing quickly to semi-comatose states.
• Prognosis: Tragically, there is no treatment available.

Forms of CJD

• Development: Can develop randomly, genetically, or through exposure to infected human tissue during medical procedures.
• Tony's Case: Exact cause of Tony's CJD remains unknown.

Personal Impact

• Current Condition: Tony now requires 24-hour care in a nursing home.
  • His wife's perspective: Most devastating condition she has witnessed, comparable to or worse than ALS.

Awareness and Support

• Educational Efforts: Danielle hopes to raise awareness about CJD and its symptoms through Tony's experience.
• Support and Resources: Turned to the CJD Foundation for information and support.
  • Foundation also funds research into the disease.

Additional Information

• Further Reading: For more details, visit newschannel5.com and search for the related story.

Conclusion

• The story of Tony Gibson highlights the devastating impact of CJD on individuals and families, the urgent need for awareness, and the importance of research for understanding and combating this rare disease.