Parkinson's Disease: Stem Cell Treatment

Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common and difficult to treat neurodegenerative diseases. It is manifested by the slow destruction of nerve cells in the brain, leading to a marked decrease in dopamine levels and impaired motor functions such as tremors, loss of coordination, slow movements and muscle rigidity. Although classical drug therapy only temporarily relieves symptoms, the latest research shows that stem cells can not only repair damaged neurons, but also significantly slow the progression of the disease.

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease in which there is cell death in an area of the brain called the basal ganglia. These cells produce dopamine, an essential neurotransmitter that is involved in coordinating movements. When it is deficient, a person loses control over motor functions, which is manifested by tremors, gait disturbances and muscle rigidity.

Causes of Parkinson’s disease

The main cause of the disease is the gradual death of neurons that are responsible for the production of dopamine. However, it is still not clear what triggers this process. Researchers identify several risk factors:

Aging: The natural aging process can increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
Brain infections: Viral and bacterial infections can trigger nerve cell death.
Head injuries: Craniocerebral injuries increase the risk of pathology.
Genetic predisposition: Hereditary factors play an important role.
Exposure to toxins: Pesticides and industrial chemicals are linked to the development of the disease.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease presents with a variety of symptoms that can vary depending on the stage of the disease:

Tremor: Trembling of the arms, legs, or chin.
Rigidity: Muscle stiffness, stiffness of the muscles.
Bradykenesia: Slowness of movement.
Speech changes: Decreased voice volume, slow speech.
Coordination problems: Balanceproblems, frequent falls.
Sleep and mood disorders: Insomnia, depression, anxiety and irritability.
Cognitive decline: Problems with memory and concentration.

Treatment of Parkinson’s disease

At the moment, therapy is aimed at improving patients’ quality of life and temporarily relieving symptoms. The main drugs are dopaminergic agents such as levodopa, which compensate for the lack of dopamine. But such drugs do not prevent neuronal death and cause many side effects (hallucinations, dyskinesias, cognitive impairment). This has prompted scientists to search for alternative treatments.

The use of stem cells in treatment

One of the most promising areas is the use of stem cells. Specifically, researchers have focused on three types of stem cells:

Embryonic Stem Cells: Have a high capacity for differentiation, but are ethically controversial.
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs): Created from the patient’s own cells, which reduces the risk of rejection.
Mesenchymal stem cells: Derived from bone marrow, they have anti-inflammatory properties and promote regeneration.

Current research shows that stem cells can restore dopamine levels and improve motor function in patients with Parkinson’s disease. For example, clinical trials of the drug bemdaneprocel developed by BlueRock Therapeutics have confirmed that transplanted cells survive and integrate into the brain, resulting in significant improvement in motor function.

Success Story: The Thomas Matson Treatment

An example of the successful application of cell therapy was the case of Thomas Matson from the UK. Faced with the side effects of drug treatment, he decided to try a new technique. In 2023, scientists from Lund University transplanted him with stem cells, which later transformed into dopamine-producing neurons. Already after a few months, the patient refused drugs and noted a significant improvement in his condition.

Clinical trials in the US

A study is underway in the US to investigate the effectiveness of stem cells in fighting inflammation. Project leader Mia S. Schiess is using mesenchymal stem cells to suppress inflammation that damages neurons. Phase I results have shown that the treatment is not only safe, but also helps reduce inflammatory markers, opening new horizons in Parkinson’s disease therapy.

Benefits of cell therapy

The main benefits of stem cell therapy are:

Neuronal repair: Stem cells can replace damaged cells.
Reduction of inflammation: Elimination of inflammation in the brain.
Minimal side effects: The therapy is well tolerated by patients and causes virtually no adverse reactions.

Prevention of Parkinson’s disease

There are currently no methods that can be guaranteed to prevent the development of the disease, but the following measures can help to reduce the risk:

Physical activity: Specific exercises improve coordination and strengthen muscles.
Eating ahealthy diet: Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables reduces the likelihood of developing the disease.
Quitting bad habits: Smoking and alcohol consumption accelerate cell degeneration.
Reducing stress: Controlling your emotional state has a positive effect on your nervous system.
Getting adequate sleep: Healthy sleep supports cognitive function.

Cell therapy represents a promising treatment option for Parkinson’s disease that may not only alleviate symptoms, but also slow the progression of the disease and restore lost brain function. However, the long-term efficacy and safety of these techniques have yet to be confirmed in large clinical trials.