What is parkinsons disease?
Parkinsons is referred to as a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system which anatomically occurs due to death of dopamine generating cells in the ‘substantianiagra’ of mid brain.Parkinsons is characteristically marked by tremors, rigidity and slowness of movement.
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are are considered as master cells of the human body, which are versatile and have the potential of self-renewing and differentiating on their own. The purpose of stem cell therapy is to offer two basic benefits from stem cells
- To reverse the effect of disease and alleviate suffering.
- To slow down and stop further deterioration from the disease.
An overview of signs and symptoms of Parkinsons
- Muscle rigidity
Marked by stiff muscles in limbs and neck, which causes pain and loss of movement.
- Tremors
Shaking of the hands or rolling of thumb and fingers, even at rest.
- Bradykinesia
Overall activity becomes slow like, taking the first step. Also, the feet might freeze for some time, the ability of initiating movement on your own may reduce and simple tasks may consume a lot of time.
- Loss of automated movements
Unconscious gestures which are normal human activities like smiling, blinking or arms swinging may diminish or lost completely. Gradually patient may develop a ‘fixed’ expression.
- Postural impairment
A stooped posture and loss of balance is apparent during late stages of the disease.
- Dementia
Loss of mental clarity and loss of memory takes place from mid stages till late stage of the disease. The drugs given slow down the process to a mild degree.
- Speech impairment
Initially the patient hesitates to speak. He may then speak softly, rapidly, repeat words and often slur during speech.
The disease is well treated by using drugs to increase dopamine production, physical therapy to restore range of motion and deep brain stimulation. Surgery is also opted for in some cases.
Stem cell therapy for Parkinsonism has emerged as a breakthrough treatment which has the potential to change the course of disease by differentiating itself into variable degrees to subsequent generations.
How does stem cell therapy work for parkinsons?
The stem cell therapy procedure is being tested in clinical research studies and is still not given as a standard mode of treatment. As the disease parkinsons is a neurodegenerative disorder where there is selective degeneration of dopamine secreting neurons in the mid brain, the stem cell therapy proves very effective by dividing into dopaminergic neurons after they are transplanted in the mid brain.
What are the benefits of stem cell therapy?
The risks of stem cell therapy are not well known but there are certainly a few benefits.
- They introduce themselves as new cells into damaged tissue and treat disease or injury.
- They can successfully replace diseased and damaged areas of body.
- Minimal rejection by the body tissues.
- Negligible or no side effects.
