Sudden-onset memory problems, visual hallucinations, and odd behaviors
Current Psychiatry. 2018 June;17(6):48-53
June 1, 2018|Current Psychiatry
Author and Disclosure Information
Ms. D, age 62, is disoriented, distractible, tearful, and tangential. She reports that 'aerialists' are climbing through her windows at night and stealing things. What could be causing her symptoms?
Bottom Line
Patients with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) may present to psychiatric settings, particularly to a psychiatric emergency room. Consider CJD as a possible etiology in patients with rapidly progressive dementia, depression, and psychosis. CJD is invariably fatal and there is no effective disease-modifying treatment. Supportive therapies are the mainstay of care.
Related Resources
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease fact sheet. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cjd/detail_cjd.htm.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, classic (CJD). https://www.cdc.gov/prions/cjd.
Drug Brand Names
Donepezil • Aricept
Risperidone • Risperdal
Quetiapine • Seroquel
