Nursing patients with variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease at home

Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) is a rare variant of a rare neurodegenerative disease, with a rapid and fatal course. The emergence of vCJD in humans in 1996 is believed to have resulted from the consumption of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)-infected meat. By July 2002, the number of vCJD cases in the UK had increased to over 120 and it is not yet known how many more people will be affected. The majority of affected individuals are cared for within their own homes with the support of their families. Community nurses face several challenges in managing the rapid deterioration and complex emotional, cognitive, behavioural and physical problems associated with vCJD. In her capacity as a National CJD Care Coordinator for the UK the author outlines the pathogenesis of vCJD, identifies key caring issues that emerge during the clinical course of the disease and makes suggestions about the nursing care required.