What can someone with mad cow disease expect to happen?

Progressive dementia: Usually a rapidly progressive dementia is seen.

Mad Cow Disease: Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease) is a variant form. Symptoms include dementia, myoclonus, and other CNS deficits; death occurs in 1 to 2 yr. Transmission can be prevented by taking precautions when handling infected tissues and using bleach to clean contaminated instruments. Treatment is supportive.