Early symptom's can vary from person to person but include involuntary movement of the limbs or facial muscles, difficulty concentrating, and depression. Other symptoms include personality change, memory disturbance, slurred speech, and impaired judgment. Today a genetic test is available to confirm a diagnosis of HD and to identify carriers of the HD gene. There is no treatment to stop the progression of HD, but the movement disturbances and psychiatric symptoms can be treated with medication. CJD is caused by a transmissible agent.
Research suggests that the agent differs significantly from viruses and other conventional agents.
The disease can be inherited, but the majority of causes are not. Early symptoms of CJD include failing memory, changes in behavior, and lack of coordination. Like Alzheimer's disease, a definitive diagnosis of CJD can be obtained only through examination of brain tissue at autopsy. Pick's disease usually begins between the ages of 40 and 60. The symptoms are similar to Alzheimer's disease, with a loss of language abilities, skilled movement, and the ability to recognize objects or people.