brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Overview of Prion Diseases
Treatment of Prion Diseases
Symptom relief and comfort measures There is no cure for prion diseases, which are all fatal, usually within months to a few years after symptoms appear. Treatment focuses on symptom relief and comfort measures. A number of strategies can help caregivers of people with a prion disease cope with the dementia caused by the disease (see sidebar Creating a Beneficial Environment for People With Dementia ). If possible, people who have a prion disease should establish Advance Directives about what kind of medical care they want at the end of life. Family members of people who develop the hereditary form of the disease may benefit from genetic counseling. 