Abstract
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a rare, rapidly progressive, fatal neurodegenerative prion disease that manifests clinically with neuromuscular symptoms and profound dementia. Because of the rapid course and terminal prognosis, the affected person is referred to palliative and hospice care soon after receiving the diagnosis. This article provides an overview of familial, sporadic, and acquired forms of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. There is also an in-depth explanation of the sporadic form's pathogenesis, diagnosis, clinical features, disease course, infection control guidelines, and treatment, as well as a full discussion of the challenging nursing care issues from diagnosis to death.