familial Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (fCJD)

Familial Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (fCJD) is a rare, inherited brain disorder caused by genetic mutations that lead to the accumulation of abnormal prion proteins. These misfolded proteins damage and destroy brain cells, resulting in rapid cognitive decline, memory loss, personality changes, and neurological symptoms. It usually develops in middle to older age and is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning a family member with the mutated gene has a 50% chance of passing it to offspring. While rare, fCJD underscores the importance of genetic factors in certain neurodegenerative diseases.