According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older will live with Alzheimer’s in 2023. It is a neurodegenerative disease that damages parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. It also destroys the ability to carry out the simplest daily tasks, including self-care.
People with early- to mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease are usually recommended ChE inhibitors. While these medications do not ensure complete recovery, they are helpful in slowing down the rate of cognitive and behavioral decline in patients. Compared to medications, stem cell therapy for Alzheimer’s is a much more advantageous option. Stem cells may potentially regenerate damaged brain tissue and improve cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients. However, many questions remain about the safety and efficacy of this approach. Let’s get into the subject.
Alzheimer’s Disease: Causes and Symptoms
Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological disorder affecting cognitive function, memory, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia in elders, accounting for 60–70% of all dementia cases. The cause of Alzheimer’s is believed to be a combination of lifestyle, genetic, and environmental factors. It is much more common in women as compared to men. Some other causes include a poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Some of the most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s include:
- memory loss
- language problems
- disorientation
- changes in mood and behavior
- sleep disorders
It can also cause problems with communication, including difficulty finding words, repeating phrases, or forgetting simple words. The progression of these symptoms can be controlled using Alzheimer stem cell therapy.
Current Treatment Options for Alzheimer’s
The following are treatment options that are available for Alzheimer’s:
- Medicines, which include:
- Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors – These medicines improve communication between nerve cells by preventing acetylcholinesterase from breaking down acetylcholine.
- Memantine – This medicine decreases abnormal activity in the brain.
- Risperidone – It is used to treat psychotic symptoms in Alzheimer’s patients.
- Therapies and activities, including:
- Cognitive stimulation therapy – It is an evidence-based treatment for complex psychological and behavioral symptoms.
- Cognitive rehabilitation – It is a behavior change intervention helping people carry out daily activities.
- Stem cell therapy for Alzheimer’s – Promotes regeneration and repair of the nervous system through injected stem cells.
Stem Cell Therapy: How It Works and Who May Benefit?
It is a regenerative medicine method that uses stem cells to treat or prevent diseases or medical conditions. These cells can uniquely differentiate into various types, including muscle and brain cells. In this treatment, stem cells are injected directly into a specific body area or into the bloodstream to help repair damaged tissue. Cell-based approach, in general, is effective for people suffering from:
- stroke
- burns
- multiple sclerosis
- spinal cord injuries
- cancer
- osteoarthritis
- ALS
In the case of stem cell Alzheimers therapy, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are injected into the body via intravenous injection IV.
How Is Alzheimer’s Disease Treated with Stem Cells?
Stem cell research Alzheimer’s has suggested that stem cell therapy may effectively reduce inflammation in the brain, which is thought to play a major role in developing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Other studies have shown that stem cells may be able to differentiate into neurons and other brain cells, which could potentially replace damaged or dying cells in the brain.
However, these studies have typically been small and have not yet been replicated in larger, controlled clinical trials. Overall, while stem cell therapy shows promise as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s, more research is needed to determine its safety and effectiveness.
| “Stem cell therapies can work in multiple ways – for example, they can form synapses with host cells, modulate inflammation within the disease environment or produce neurotrophic growth factors.” – Professor Lisa McGinley, Ph.D. |
What Are the Possible Outcomes?
Stem cell Alzheimers therapy has proven to boost nerve regeneration resulting in improvement in overall functional recovery, as well as memory and communication, and thus allows the patient to have a more independent lifestyle.
Where to Undergo Stem Cell Therapy in Alzheimer’s
A patient can undergo stem cell therapy in a healthcare facility capable of providing cell-based treatment via IV or another route of administration. Make sure that the disease you are interested in is on the list of health conditions that the clinic manages, and also study the experience of other patients in order to draw the necessary conclusions.
Final Thoughts
Using stem cell therapy to treat Alzheimer’s is still under investigation, and more research is needed before its effectiveness can be determined. Meanwhile, more than 85% of patients who underwent this treatment experienced an improvement in their condition, and it holds great promise for the future. Do you believe it may lead to a cure for this challenging condition one day?
