What are the demographics of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease?

Age

* CJD usually affects people between the ages of 50 and 70, with an average age of onset of 65 years.

* However, CJD can occur in people of any age, including children.

Sex

* Men and women are equally affected by CJD.

Race

* CJD occurs in all races, but is slightly more common in Caucasians than in African Americans or Asians.

Geography

* CJD is found in all parts of the world, but is more common in Europe, North America, and Australia.

* The incidence of CJD is about 1 case per million people per year.

Risk Factors

* There are no known risk factors for CJD.

* However, some studies have suggested that certain factors may increase the risk of developing CJD, such as:

* A family history of CJD

* Exposure to certain chemicals, such as pesticides and solvents

* Head injury

* Certain medical conditions, such as Down syndrome and HIV infection