Personality changes

Changes in your loved one’s mood and temperament are often the early signs of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). They can also be particularly tough for the caregiver to deal with as you forget that it is not personal, it’s the disease changing them.

For anxiety and agitation, try this:

1. See if you can figure out what triggers the anxious or agitated behavior – you might be able to avoid setting off the behavior by changing the environment or routine
2. Make sure your loved one isn’t in pain, hungry or thirsty or doesn’t need to use the bathroom – they may be agitated because they can’t express what they need
3. If they are aggressive or angry, don’t touch them – it may be threatening instead of comforting
4. Talk about things that they love to help calm them
5. Speak in a calm voice and don’t let their agitation agitate you
6. Try to make sure your loved one is getting enough sleep
7. Try not to rush or hurry them
8. Follow a regular daily schedule
9. Eliminate stressful stimuli and maintain a quiet environment
10. Try covering your loved one’s eyes with a mask or cloth to reduce fear or anxiety

For depression and social withdrawal, try this:

1. Try to keep your loved one engaged with activities that suit his/her abilities – card games, reading aloud, talking
2. Physical exercise helps minimize depression – if their condition permits, walk, swim, garden or do something else they enjoy
3. Visitors might help improve mood, especially in the early stages, but watch for signs of agitation or fatigue
4. Validate and accept their feelings – don’t try to force them to be happy and social
5. Talk to your doctor about medications that can help