Creutzfeld-Jacob disease

Creutzfeld-Jacob disease (CJD) is a very rare illness, with only about 50 new cases per year in the UK. It gradually destroys nerve cells throughout the brain. Many of the early symptoms of CJD are similar to those of Alzheimer disease - loss of memory and personality changes. As CJD progresses, patients gradually lose all control of their minds and bodies.

Coloured MRI scan of a patient with CJD (the green areas show signs of the disease). Simon Fraser, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne/Science Photo Library