It belongs to a group of human and animal diseases known as prion disorders It is caused by prions, infectious, misshapen versions of normal proteins, which build up in the brain, damaging brain cells. [4][1] early symptoms include memory problems, behavioral changes, poor coordination, visual disturbances and auditory disturbances
Infection usually leads to death within one year of symptom onset. The incidence of cjd cases worldwide is one to two cases, per million individuals, per year. <1% of cases are iatrogenic or variant cjd.
Prions are normal proteins that have changed their shape Healthy proteins have a healthy shape, which allows them to function normally. In the united states there are nearly 500 new cjd cases per year
