Treating Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s with Stem Cells: A Breakthrough in Neurology

Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s are neurological disorders that damage brain cells and alter brain ability to perform functions like cognition, behavior and memory. The number of people affected with these disorders is nearly 8 million. The existing treatment options can only manage the symptoms that occur but do not provide any cure. Therefore, for this reason a novel approach involving stem cell therapy is needed to repair and restore the damaged tissue.

This blog aims to provide information about Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s treatment with Stem Cells.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

It is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects a person’s behavior, memory, and thinking. The characteristic feature of this Alzheimer’s disease is formation of β amyloid plaques which causes cell death and alters cognitive abilities.

Treatment strategies

The current treatment options available for the Alzheimer’s disease are:

1. Medications: Currently, two classes of drugs cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists aim to improve symptoms like cognition and memory. However, the major drawback of this therapy is that it doesn’t delay disease progression.
2. Supportive therapies: apart from medications, behavioral therapy along with lifestyle modifications like engaging in physical activities, eating a healthy diet will help in managing Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s stem cell treatment

The above treatment options are only helpful in managing the condition. However, novel stem cell treatment for Alzheimer Disease approach paves way for treating it and preventing progression of the disease.

The role of Mesenchymal stem cells in the disease is:

1. Repairs and restores damaged tissue: The disease impairs cognitive function due to loss of cells in the brain. So, MSC restores the lost cells and neurons in the brain which restores cognitive function.
2. Reduce inflammation: MSC reduces inflammation by releasing anti-inflammatory molecules. Additionally, it also slows down Alzheimer’s disease progression.
3. Reduce formation of β amyloid plaques: The main characteristic feature of Alzheimer’s disease if formation of β amyloid plaques and MSC decreases this formation of plagues. Therefore, the overall effect being improvement in cognition and delay in disease progression.

What is Parkinson’s disease?

It is a neurological condition that alters the movement and is characterized by tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia and postural instability. The disease affects the cells that produce dopamine leading to decrease in dopamine, a hormone that is responsible for controlling movement and coordination.

Supportive therapies

The main role of supportive therapy in neurological disorders is to aid in recovery and improve the effects of the stem cell therapy.

1. Speech therapy: this therapy aims to enhance the patient’s social skills like communication and speech. The therapist trains the patient on how to communicate effectively and engage in social activities.
2. Occupational therapy: therapist includes this therapy to teach patients maintenance of coordination and balance. The therapy also aids in performing day to day activities like dressing up, eating with hands and grooming self.
3. Physical therapy: light to moderate physical exercises helps in improving physical strength and flexibility. Furthermore, physical activities help in enhancing mobility and motor functions.
4. Dietary intake: in order to boost brain function and maintain healthy digestion, dieticians recommend patients to take adequate fiber, limit protein intake and consume fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and whole grains.

Parkinson’s stem cell treatment in India

Currently there exists no cure for Parkinson’s disease. So, a combination of supportive therapies along with pharmacological agents is useful in managing the disease. However, stem cell therapy for Parkinson provides a different perspective in the treatment of the disease. Let’s dive into details of how stem cell therapy treats the condition.

Mesenchymal stem cells prove to be pivotal in treating the disease. MSC work by:

1. Firstly, stem cells replace and restore the lost cells that produce dopamine.
2. These stem cells now work to enhance the motor functions and reduce symptoms of tremors, rigidity and bradykinesia.
3. Additionally, stem cells reduce inflammation by decreasing oxidative stress and slow down the progression of disease.
4. Lastly, it also improves immune response which stabilizes the condition.

Stem cell therapy perks in Parkinson’s

Current research suggests that stem cell treatment has the potential to improve symptoms of Parkinson’s disease i.e. tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia and postural instability.

Mechanism involved in stem cell therapy

The main mechanisms involved in treating the neurological disorders with stem cell therapy are:

1. β amyloid plaques removal: MSC generates certain enzymes which initiate degradation of β amyloid plaques.
2. Immunomodulatory function: MSC promotes immunomodulatory action by activating microglia which in turn causes removal of β amyloid plaques.
3. Inhibits apoptosis: inhibits neuronal apoptosis by stimulating release of brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF) and other factors.
4. Neurogenesis: travel to the site of injury and differentiate into neuronal cells and enhance neuronal functions.
5. Anti-inflammatory action: after transplantation, MSC reduces the inflammatory levels of 1L-10 and TNF-α and promotes anti-inflammation.

Long term effects of stem cell therapy

1. Improvement of patient’s quality of life and motor functions.
2. Delaying and slowing the progression of the disease.

Comparison of conventional therapies with stem cell therapy

The following are the differences between conventional therapies and new and experimental stem cell therapy.

1. Pharmacological agents: Clinicians recommend drugs in Parkinson’s disease to either enhance the levels of dopamine or to replicate the action of dopamine. On the other hand, stem cell treatment aims to replace the cells that are unable to produce dopamine.
2. Surgical option: In Parkinson’s, the surgeon implants electrodes that generate electrical impulses whereas in stem cell therapy, the clinicians implants stem cells at the affected part.
3. Rehab therapy: Therapies like speech, occupational, social and physical therapy aid in improving the effects of the stem cell therapy. 

Latest research finding

According to researchers from John Hopkins Medicine, they discovered a new potential target that prevents the progression of Parkinson’s disease and neurodegenerative diseases. Aplp1 interacts with Lag3 and stimulates movement of alpha-synuclein proteins to brain cells. Accumulation of this protein is the hallmark feature of Parkinson’s disease. So the researchers now suggest that FDA-approved cancer drug, nivolumab/relatlimab, targets Lag3, due to which the interaction doesn’t take place and the proteins do not accumulate in the brain. This strategy is helpful in delaying the disease progression in Parkinson’s disease along with other neurodegenerative diseases.

Summary

Stem cell therapy for neurological disorders offers plenty of promise. The current research and advancements in technologies offers big hope in treating neurological disorders. Stem cell therapy not only provides a potential treatment option but also improves patient quality of life. 

The research suggests that stem cell therapy is more effective in treating neurological conditions than the conventional treatment. The stem cells boost functions like enhances motor skills, reduces neuroinflammation, and delays progression of disease. Therefore, both Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s stem cell treatment in India in the recent past has taken greater strides in providing cure for neurological disorders.

FAQ’s:

Q: What is Alzheimer’s disease?

It is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects a person’s behavior, memory, and thinking. The characteristic feature of Alzheimer’s disease is formation of β amyloid plaques which causes cell death and alters cognitive abilities.

Q: What is Parkinson’s disease?

It is a neurological condition that alters the movement and is characterized by tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia and postural instability. The disease affects the cells that produce dopamine leading to decrease in dopamine, a hormone that is responsible for controlling movement and coordination.

Q: How do Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) treat Parkinson’s disease?

Firstly, stem cells replace and restore the lost cells that produce dopamine. These stem cells now work to enhance the motor functions and reduce symptoms of tremors, rigidity and bradykinesia. Additionally, stem cells reduce inflammation by decreasing oxidative stress and slow down the progression of disease. Lastly, it also improves immune response which stabilizes the condition.

Q: What is the role of Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in Alzheimer’s disease?

MSC restores the lost cells and neurons in the brain which restores cognitive function. It also reduces inflammation by releasing anti-inflammatory molecules. Additionally, it also slows down Alzheimer’s disease progression.