Coexistence of idiopathic Parkinson's disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

The association of idiopathic Parkinson's disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease has not been reported previously. We describe the clinical findings in a patient with both disorders, confirmed at autopsy. The differential diagnosis of parkinsonism with cognitive and psychiatric disturbances is reviewed with emphasis on conditions which may complicate the course of idiopathic Parkinson's disease. The etiological implications of this combination are considered.