health

CJD is a rapidly progressing disease with a fatal outcome. Most people
develop dementia within six months of the onset of symptoms and
become completely unable to take care of their basic physical functions
shortly afterward. Most of those with classical CJD die within seven
months; however, a few patients live as long as one to two years after
diagnosis. Death is usually caused by infection, heart failure, or respiratory
failure. Those with variant CJD may survive longer, perhaps a year
or two.