Final answer:
Prion diseases are degenerative neurological diseases caused by abnormally folded proteins called prions. They result in the accumulation of PrPSc in nerve cells, neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques in the brain, and ultimately the death of nerve cells. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, and uncoordinated movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prion diseases are a group of degenerative neurological diseases caused by abnormally folded proteins called prions. The general neuropathologic features of prion diseases include the accumulation of PrPSc (infectious prion protein) within nerve cells, formation of neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques, and the death of nerve cells. These pathological changes in the brain result in symptoms such as memory loss, personality changes, blurred vision, uncoordinated movements, and insomnia. Diagnosis of prion diseases involves examining brain tissue for the presence of characteristic plaques, vacuoles, and prion proteins. Unfortunately, prion diseases cannot be cured, but some medications may help slow their progress.