It is not simple exposure nor brains that transmit Kuru, but ingestion of infected matter. It is cultivated by excessive cannibalism but can be extracted and implanted in just about anything, accidentally or otherwise. "Mad cow disease" is a notable variant.

Can the patient be coaxed to sleep naturally, or with a mild sedative? Prion infections make the brain highly unstable, treating dementia if prematurely misdiagnosed will only cause further irreparable brain damage.