(Kiosk 4) Enhancing Quality of Life Through Rehabilitation in Creutzfeldt-jakob Disease: A Case Report

Case Diagnosis: A 75-year-old male with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) and a medical history including CVA, prostate cancer, dementia, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.

Case Description: The patient and family were educated on the terminal prognosis of CJD and consented to participate in a PT and OT program within a skilled nursing facility as part of his palliative care. This report examines the effectiveness of rehabilitation for patients with CJD, considering the perspectives of both the family and the patient.

Discussion: CJD is a rare and rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, behavioral changes, muscle stiffness, coordination difficulties, vision problems, speech and swallowing difficulties, involuntary movements, and sensory abnormalities. Due to the neurological nature and rapid progression of the disease, we investigated the use of rehabilitative treatment in the patient's palliative care plan to explore its use in CJD.

Setting: Skilled Nursing Facility

Assessment/Results: As expected with the terminal prognosis of the disease, the patient's therapy scores and progress consistently declined over time. However, the family observed an improvement in the patient's mental and physical well-being as a result of therapy, which also helped maintain his independence for a longer duration. The family deemed therapy essential, considering the patient's condition prior to treatment. While the patient himself was somewhat indifferent towards therapy, he willingly participated and put forth effort, uncertain about its impact but preferring engagement over non-participation.

Conclusion: Rehabilitation medicine plays a crucial role in bridging palliative care for terminal conditions such as CJD. It enhances quality of life by managing symptoms, preserving function, and promoting independence. Symptom management, maximizing function, and emotional support are significant benefits. By prioritizing comfort and well-being, a holistic approach can improve the quality of life for both patients and their families during the final stages of CJD.