ICD-Code F02.1: Dementia in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

You have dementia caused by Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

The brain is made up of several areas. For example, the cerebrum is used to think and plan actions. In the cerebellum, movements are initialized and coordinated. The brain stem is responsible for various unconscious tasks such as breathing. The brain stem passes into the spinal cord.

Your brain has been severely damaged by altered proteins. This is also known as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The cause of the disease is usually unknown. The disease can be hereditary. In that case, several family members are typically affected by it. However, the altered proteins can also get into the body via infections.

The altered proteins can also damage normal proteins in the brain. As a result, more and more proteins in the brain are changed. If altered proteins accumulate in the brain, the brain’s nerve cells may die off. This may result in abnormal behavior. Memory and concentration may rapidly decline. It may also become impossible to control your movements properly.

Dementia causes mental capabilities to decline more than is what is considered normal. As a result, it becomes increasingly difficult to manage daily life independently. Memory function may gradually decline as part of dementia. It may be difficult to remember the right word for something. There may also be confusion. You might not know exactly where you are. You may become suspicious of other people or feel anxious. There may also be other symptoms.