Rapidly progressive dementia with psychosis caused by CJD

Abstract

Rapidly progressive dementias are conditions that typically cause dementia over weeks or months. They are a particular challenge for psychiatrists and neurologists as the differential diagnosis is often different from the more typical, slowly progressive dementias. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential, as many of the aetiologies are treatable. CreutzfeldtJakob Disease (CJD) is a very rare, progressive and lethal illness caused by prions. Here, the authors present a case of CJD that manifested itself as rapidly progressive dementia, with psychosis, without any neurological signs and symptoms initially.