CJD (Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease) Quinacrine Study

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of probable or definite sCJD: Definite--biopsy confirmed sCJD; Probable--a progressive dementia with either a typical EEG or a typical MRI consistent with sCJD, and at least two of the following clinical features: myoclonus, pyramidal or extrapyramidal signs, visual symptoms, cerebellar signs, akinetic mutism, other focal higher cortical neurologic signs (e.g. neglect, apraxia, aphasia) * 18 years of age or older * Able to swallow * Able to follow simple one-step commands * Have had a brain MRI within 6 months and an EEG within 3 months ruling out other etiologies such as masses, strokes, or non-convulsive status epilepticus * Consent to autopsy in the event of their death during or after the study Exclusion Criteria: * History of other significant or life-threatening disease, including: cancer; end-stage liver or renal disease; severe heart disease * History of other disease requiring regular supportive care * Liver disease * Active alcoholism * Bone marrow suppression * Severe hypotension * Severe psoriasis * Poorly controlled diabetes * Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding * Men, or women of childbearing age, not practicing reliable contraception * Serious allergies to quinacrine or other acridines * Current or recent use of quinacrine (within 6 months) * \< 18 years of age * Any other contraindication to taking quinacrine * Genetic form of prion disease is identified prior to study enrollment * Current use of anti-arrhythmics (at dis…