posted on Nov, 18 2006 @ 11:45 AM
The issue isn't if the two diseases are the same: as pointed out, there are differences in them ranging from cell-surface markers, to signs and
symptoms, and to the molecular differences of prion-effects and immune response, to immune response and possible neurfibrillary tangles of
Alzheimer's.
The rub: the early diagnoses...Alzheimer's Disease (AD) in fact is sometimes called and a differential diagnosis of "Rule-out" vCJD is not
mentioned. And, many of the other neurodegenerative diseases are not, either. MRI is the tool of choice to tell the difference; MRI's are not usually
ordered. If they are, there is a particular sign (the cortical band 'RING SIGN' " that is seen very, very often in CJD...never in AD.) But, to
tell the difference between "natural" sCJD and vCJD is biopolitical...and most neurologists won't touch the issue.
Why, is a story for another day, if anyone is interested.
Must reads: Kelleher's BRAIN TRUST & Waldman's DIEING FOR A HAMBURGER...these are scary, scientific, and superbe books. And recent.