Mad cow disease

Updated: 2017-06-13

Overview

Humans may acquire the disorder by eating diseased meat products. In humans, the disorder is called Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). CJD ultimately leads to dementia and death. The condition is rare.

Symptoms

The disease is marked by rapid mental deterioration, usually within a few months. Most people eventually lapse into a coma.

Treatments

Treatment focuses on keeping the person as comfortable as possible.