Final answer:
The cause of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), among other nervous system disorders, is complex and not fully understood, involving both genetic and environmental factors. The treatment for these disorders is focused mainly on symptom management. Widespread misunderstanding, such as the corrected vaccine-autism link, further complicates these conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cause of many nervous system disorders, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), remains elusive, as they are widespread and complex conditions that are not completely understood. In general, these disorders are the result of a blend of genetic and environmental factors that include genetic mutations, which can act as risk factors, and aspects like emotional trauma, stress, and exposure to hazardous chemicals. Specifically in the case of CJD, an accumulation of a misfolded protein (PrPSc) causes the formation of plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, leading to brain tissue damage and a variety of neurological symptoms. On the other hand, ASD is associated with varying genetic variants and an 'incorrect' wiring of the brain, potentially due to altered synaptic pruning processes. Unfortunately, since the full causes of such disorders are not pinpointed, treatment options mainly focus on symptom management rather than addressing the underlying issues.
Environmental factors during development, as well as genetic predispositions, play a role in many developmental disorders that lead to atypical neurological functions. These include complex interactions among multiple factors that disrupt normal central nervous system (CNS) development, making it difficult to identify a singular cause. Additionally, widespread misinterpretations and misrepresentations, such as the retracted research linking vaccines to autism, complicate public understanding and the scientific investigation of these disorders.