Do I Have Major Or Mild Neurocognitive Disorder Due To Prion Disease?

Do you meet the criteria for major or mild neurocognitive disorder? There must be changes that impact cognitive functioning. Symptoms can be observed by yourself, a relative or detected through objective testing.

Is there insidious onset and is rapid progression of impairment common?

Can you confirm that there are motor features of prion disease, such as myoclonus (quick, involuntary muscle jerk) or ataxia (impairment of muscle control or coordination) or biomarker (i.e., measurable indicator of some biological state) evidence?

Can you confirm that the neurocognitive disorder is not attributable to another medical condition and is not better explained by another mental disorder?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have major or mild neurocognitive disorder due to prion disease.

While it is unlikely that you have major or mild neurocognitive disorder due to prion disease, you are displaying some signs related to it. Prion diseases cause a progressive decline in brain functions. This occurs due to the misfolding of prion proteins in the brain. This will result in memory problems and behavioral and movement changes. Prion diseases are not very common. If a family member has suffered an inherited prion disease, it may be useful to plan a visit to your doctor to discuss your symptoms and the risk of developing the illness.

While it is unlikely that you have major or mild neurocognitive disorder due to prion disease, you are displaying some signs related to it. You may consider seeking medical support. The incubation periods of prion diseases can be very long, sometimes even years. In most cases, symptoms progressively get worse. However, sometimes this can happen very fast. Prion diseases can be hard to diagnose, because there are many neurodegenerative disorders with similar symptoms. In fact, only through a brain biopsy performed after death a diagnosis can be made. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and your medical history, and will also conduct tests to help diagnose the illness.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have major or mild neurocognitive disorder due to prion disease. It may be of high importance to seek medical help. Unfortunately, there is no cure for prion disease. Treatment is usually focused on support and care. Medications can be prescribed to manage symptoms, to provide pain relief or to manage muscle spasms. Assistance is needed to help people taking care of themselves. In severe cases, it may be even necessary to administer nutrients and to provide hydration. Getting a diagnosis will help you understand what is needed for functioning better.