Mad cow disease in humans is a rare neurodegenerative condition that causes gradual, permanent brain damage. It can lead to symptoms such as memory loss, trouble thinking, and tremors.
The scientific name for mad cow disease in humans is variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, or vCJD. It is caused by prions, which are abnormal proteins that build up in the brain and destroy nerve cells.
Mad cow disease is rare in people. However, eating beef from cattle contaminated with prions can lead to the disease in humans.
Symptoms of mad cow disease
The main symptoms of mad cow disease are:
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Memory loss;
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Difficulty speaking or thinking;
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Loss of the ability to make coordinated movements;
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Difficulty walking;
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Constant tremors;
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Blurred vision;
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Insomnia;
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Anxiety and depression.
As mad cow disease progresses, the person may also develop irritability, hallucinations, difficulty swallowing, and blindness.
People usually take a long time to become sick. Symptoms often appear only about 10 years or more after contamination.
Confirming a diagnosis
Mad cow disease is diagnosed by a neurologist based on the person’s symptoms, especially when there are other suspected cases in the same area.
The doctor may also check for specific brain changes that can suggest this disease, such as the pulvinar sign.
Diagnosis may also include an electroencephalogram, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, prion testing, genetic testing, and magnetic resonance imaging.
However, in most cases, the disease is only confirmed after a brain biopsy.
How transmission occurs
The main way mad cow disease is transmitted is by eating beef contaminated with prions.
Other possible ways the disease can be transmitted include:
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Cornea or skin transplant from contaminated tissue;
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Use of contaminated instruments during surgery;
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Improper implantation of brain electrodes;
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Injections of contaminated growth hormone.
However, these other forms of transmission are very rare, as modern techniques greatly reduce the risk of using contaminated tissues or materials.
There is no scientific evidence that mad cow disease can spread through the air, by wearing the same clothes, using the same cups or kitchen utensils, or having close contact with an infected person.
Possible complications
Mad cow disease progresses quickly. Once symptoms appear, the person usually dies within up to one year.
This happens because, from the time of infection, nerve cell function becomes impaired. This causes a gradual loss of abilities and a greater need for the person to stay in bed and depend on others to eat and maintain personal hygiene.
Treatment options
There is no specific treatment or cure for mad cow disease in humans.
Treatment is done to relieve symptoms, keep the person as comfortable as possible, and support their overall well-being as the disease progresses.
The doctor may recommend medications to help control symptoms such as pain, anxiety, depression, muscle stiffness, or involuntary movements. Nutritional therapy may also be recommended, especially when the person has difficulty swallowing or eating.
Psychotherapy and emotional support may help the person and their family cope with the diagnosis and changes caused by the disease. In more advanced stages, the person may need nursing care and help with feeding, hygiene, walking, and daily activities.
Palliative care may also be recommended to improve comfort, manage symptoms, and provide support for the person and their family.