A review of stem cell therapy: An emerging treatment for dementia in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease

Pradhan A. U., Uwishema O., Onyeaka H., Adanur I., Dost B.

BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR, vol.12, no.9, 2022 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 12 Issue: 9
  • Publication Date: 2022
  • Doi Number: 10.1002/brb3.2740
  • Journal Name: BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, dementia, Lewy body dementia, Parkinson's disease, stem cells, BONE-MARROW, GROWTH-FACTOR, ANGIOGENESIS, NEURON, BRAIN, TRANSMISSION, ACTIVATION, MANAGEMENT, DIAGNOSIS, ISCHEMIA
  • Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Aim This article aims to study the benefits and disadvantages of stem cell therapy, especially for patients who have dementia. Methods The databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and the National Library of Medicine were searched for literature. All papers on Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, Parkinson's disease, stem cell therapy, and its effect on dementia treatment were considered. Results Stem cell treatment has demonstrated promising outcomes in animal studies by positively modifying the degenerative alterations in dementia. However, it is not without drawbacks, such as ethical concerns while using embryonic stem cells and the danger of developing cancer if the cells undergo uncontrolled differentiation. Conclusion Although stem cell therapy has its risks, it has the potential to be a viable therapeutic option for patients with dementia if developed appropriately. Hence, more research and clinical trials are needed to establish its efficacy in this context.