CJ Disease

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creutzfeldt-Jakob_disease

http://endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/creutz/creutz.htm

http://library.med.utah.edu/WebPath/...CNS/CNSDG.html - about 1/2 way down the page.

These are just some of the ones I found when I googled CJ disease Try googling it, you will find plenty

Just read a interesting article in one of those Medical Journals, I'm sorry I can't remember which, but I also studied CJD in an extensive, adcanced micro biology class last year. CJD is caused by a prion, which is actually a demnted protein. Something happened to the DNA of the protien that changed it's shape and the way it acts in the body. These prions are scary, because due to their screwed up structure, they can't be destroyed like notmal protiens are. Therefore, cooking meat can not get rid of it. These prions are the cause of "Mad Cow Disease". And they are usually found in the nervous systems of the animals that are infected. That's why the cows that were fed ground up parts of other cows (I know, gross) got it. CJD was actually first discovered in a tribe of aboriginal type people that live like we did thousands of years ago. In this particular tribe, there was a cultural custum that included eating the brains of dead tribesmen. (I know, even mor gross.)
This recent article brought up an interesting theory. It has been said that CJD cannot be passed among humans, but there have been findings of clusters of the disease in patients who were originally thought to have alzhiemers. The two diseases have very similar symptoms with just one or two subtle, but very definitive factors. So what the article was sugesting was that CJD is actually more common in humans that previously thought, and may even be transmitted through ways other than eating the infected meat. I guess they found clusters of the disease in certain areas where the victims had not eaten contaminated meat. I thought the article also mentioned that CJD could only be definitely diagnosed at autopsy, but maybe I read that part wrong, since tou mentioned someone who was diagnosed with it who is, I'm assuming, still alive.
The whole idea of prions is very scary, as there is no way to destroy them, ad they're effects can be so devastating. But it is pretty interesting from a scientific point of view, as it is something we know so little about, and are now making new discoveries in. But I'm sure that offers little comfort to you. I just wanted to give you the latest info. on the topic, and it just happened to be something I am studying. I'm sorry if this information is disturbing to you, and I wish the best for you and your aunt.