06 May
Dementia is a neurological condition that can manifest in disorientation, behavioural changes, and cognitive disturbances. It impacts an estimated 55.2 million people worldwide and is projected to affect 132 million by 2050 (Dementia Statistics Hub, 2023). This condition can severely impact the social and occupational lives of those affected, making it a critical health concern. The most widely discussed dementia type is Alzheimer’s disease, which affects 1 in every 9 humans on the planet.
Another neurological disorder that can present with dementia is Parkinson’s disease, which affects approximately 1% of adults over 60. To effectively address the impact of dementia on individuals and families affected, it is essential to remain informed on current research and treatments.
What causes Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is caused by the progressive atrophy of the brain leading to the decline of cognitive function. This atrophy occurs due to the accumulation of abnormal proteins, such as beta-amyloid and tau, which form plaques and tangles in the brain tissue (Haass & Selkoe, 2007). These abnormal proteins disrupt neuronal signalling and communication, gradually losing memory and other cognitive functions.
Several factors contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease, including genetic and environmental factors. For example, individuals who inherit certain genetic mutations, such as those in the presenilin and apolipoprotein E genes, are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (Bertram & Tanzi, 2008). Environmental factors such as head injury, poor cognitive stimulation, and chronic stress have also been associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (Rosales-Corral et al., 2020).
In addition to these factors, ageing is considered a significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. As people age, the brain undergoes changes, such as the accumulation of free radicals and the reduction in the production of neurotransmitters, which can damage brain cells and lead to cognitive decline (Mattson & Arumugam, 2018).
However, the exact mechanisms that cause Alzheimer’s disease are still not fully understood, and current treatment options are limited to managing the symptoms rather than providing a cure. Stem cell therapy is an emerging treatment that offers promising results, and ongoing research aims to explore its potential use in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
Why is Stem Cell Research Important?
Stem cell research is a promising treatment option for dementia patients due to its potential ability to repair damaged brain cells in diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Stem cells are the body’s raw material; they can potentially be used to grow new brain tissue, help reduce inflammation and restore function by replacing the damaged cells with healthy ones. Research suggests that stem cell therapy may hold promise not only for treating dementia but also for preventing it from occurring in the first place by helping people maintain mental acuity throughout life. Additionally, studies have shown that treatments involving stem cells can improve overall cognition as well as memory, which could prove beneficial for those suffering from various stages of dementia-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
Understanding Stem Cells
There are several types of stem cells present in the human body. These include embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are derived from the inner cell mass of a developing embryo and have the ability to differentiate into any cell type in the body. Induced pluripotent stem cells are generated by reprogramming adult cells to a pluripotent state and can also differentiate into any cell type in the body (Uwishema et al.,2022).
Adult stem cells, on the other hand, are found in various tissues throughout the body, such as bone marrow, adipose tissue, and the brain, and have a more limited ability to differentiate into specific cell types (Arvanitakis et al., 2019). However, they have been shown to have potential therapeutic applications, such as in the treatment of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Stem cell therapy involving these different types of stem cells is an exciting and rapidly advancing field of research, offering potential benefits for patients suffering from various neurological conditions.
What Type of Research is Occurring
Stem cell research is being conducted with several types of stem cells, including embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and adult stem cells. This research aims to explore the potential therapeutic applications of stem cells, particularly in the treatment of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Stem cell research has shown significant promise in the treatment of a wide range of degenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Stem cells have the potential to repair and regenerate damaged brain cells, resulting in improved cognitive function and memory. In addition to repairing damaged cells, stem cells can reduce inflammation in the brain, which is a significant factor in the progression of dementia.
The use of stem cells in the treatment of dementia has been shown to improve overall cognition, including memory, attention, and executive function. A recent study demonstrated that the injection of stem cells into the brains of mice with Alzheimer’s disease led to the formation of new neurons and improved cognitive function. A similar study involving induced pluripotent stem cells showed significant improvement in cognitive function in mice with Parkinson’s disease.
Furthermore, stem cell therapy has the potential to prevent the development of dementia by promoting healthy brain function throughout life. Studies have shown that the injection of stem cells into the brains of healthy mice increases their ability to learn and form memories.
Stem cells can be obtained from several sources, including embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and adult stem cells. While embryonic stem cells have the greatest potential for differentiation, there are concerns about their ethical use. Induced pluripotent stem cells are generated from adult cells with similar differentiation potential. Adult stem cells, on the other hand, are readily available and can be obtained from the patient’s own body, reducing the risk of rejection.
In summary, stem cell research offers great potential for treating and preventing dementia in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Stem cells can repair and regenerate damaged brain cells, reduce inflammation, and improve cognitive function. Further research in this field is essential to understand the full potential of stem cell therapy in treating degenerative brain disorders.
The Side Effects of Stem Cell Research
While stem cell research has shown significant promise in the treatment of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, it has also been associated with some side effects. One of the most significant concerns is the potential for tumours to develop following stem cell transplantation, particularly for embryonic stem cells with the greatest differentiation potential.
Another potential side effect of stem cell therapy is the risk of infection. Patients undergoing stem cell transplantation may be at increased risk of developing infections due to weakened immune systems. Additionally, there is the potential for the transplanted cells to be rejected by the patient’s immune system, leading to graft versus host disease (GVHD).
GVHD is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when the transplanted cells view the patient’s own tissues as foreign and attack them. Symptoms of GVHD include skin rash, diarrhoea, and liver damage. While the risk of GVHD can be minimised by using the patient’s adult stem cells, this is not always possible, particularly in cases where the patient’s stem cells are damaged or diseased (Qin et al., 2022).
Finally, there is concern about the ethical implications of using embryonic stem cells for research and therapy. While induced pluripotent stem cells offer an alternative source of stem cells that avoids many of these ethical concerns, they are not without their own potential risks and side effects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while stem cell research shows great promise in the treatment of degenerative diseases, including dementia in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, it is not without its risks and side effects. Further research is necessary to fully understand stem cell therapy’s potential benefits and risks and develop safer and more effective treatment options for patients suffering from degenerative brain disorders.
Dementia is a global concern. With an expected threefold increase in the coming years, it is causing significant impairment in the daily functioning of patients. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases are the leading causes of dementia. While treatments are available to manage their symptoms, exploring options that avoid or minimise the pathological events that occur in the nervous system is essential.
Current studies suggest that stem cell therapy may hold the key to altering the changes associated with these disorders due to its regenerative and proliferative properties. Although stem cell therapy is not without its disadvantages, such as the risk of rejection and developing cancer, more research and clinical trials must be conducted to discover a technique that can exploit the beneficial traits of this therapy while reducing its associated risks.
As research professionals, we must take strides towards uncovering solutions that mitigate the impact of dementia and improve the lives of those who suffer from it.
