Arlene VonMyhr Dies After Battle with Rare Brain Disease
By Health Reporter
Published: 22:46 01 Apr 2024, updated 22:52 01 Apr 2024
Arlene VonMyhr, a 55-year-old woman from Michigan, tragically lost her life to a rare brain disease known as Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD). This degenerative condition, which typically strikes at random, ultimately claims the lives of 100% of its patients.
Early Symptoms and Rapid Decline
Arlene woke up in the middle of the night on January 8 experiencing stroke-like symptoms, including confusion, difficulty walking, and facial weakness. Over the course of the following two weeks, she was rushed to the hospital on multiple occasions due to slurred speech and balance issues.
The Devastating Diagnosis
After further examination, doctors confirmed on January 26 that Arlene was suffering from Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. This progressive brain disorder, often compared to the infamous Mad Cow Disease, strikes its victims indiscriminately and has no known cure.
End-of-Life Care
With the diagnostic confirmation, all treatments and intravenous procedures were halted, as no viable options were available. Arlene’s husband, Gary VonMyhr, stated that her health rapidly declined over the course of five weeks. The primary focus turned to providing her comfort and ensuring her dignity.
A Year of Concerning Cases
Arlene VonMyhr was one of five individuals at Corewell Health in Michigan to succumb to CJD in just one year. This alarming trend prompted an urgent investigation into the matter.
CJD: A Mysterious and Fatal Brain Disorder
CJD is an aggressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by misfolded proteins called prions. These prions disrupt communication between brain cells and lead to various symptoms such as dementia, memory loss, difficulty speaking, balance issues, and jerky movements.
Rare, But Not Unheard of in Michigan
Incidences of CJD in Michigan are relatively uncommon, typically occurring in one or two out of every million people each year. However, the risk of developing CJD increases with age, particularly affecting individuals 55 and older. It is estimated that one in every 6,000 deaths in the United States is caused by CJD.
Raising Awareness for Research
In light of their devastating loss, Mr. VonMyhr has taken it upon himself to raise awareness about CJD, with the hope of encouraging further research into the disease. Although CJD may affect a relatively small number of individuals, its impact can be severe and life-altering.
