What characterizes Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease?

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is primarily characterized by rapidly progressive dementia. This neurological disorder is caused by prions, misfolded proteins that lead to brain damage. The symptoms of CJD typically escalate quickly, often within a few months of onset. Individuals may experience significant cognitive decline, personality changes, and severe memory loss, all of which are hallmarks of dementia. The rapid progression is one of the distinct features that differentiate CJD from other types of dementia, which generally evolve more slowly.

While other options do mention symptoms that could be associated with various neurological conditions, they do not capture the primary characteristic of CJD as effectively. For instance, chronic headaches and vision disturbances can be seen in numerous neurological disorders but are not specific to CJD. Slow progression of symptoms also contradicts the rapid deterioration typical of this disease. Therefore, the defining characteristic of CJD is indeed the rapid advancement of dementia.