However, there is an end to this disease and all of its destruction. Medical scientists are working daily on figuring out the mystery behind Alzheimer's disease; in an effort to anticipate it, control it and eventually cure it. With the latest technology and development in stem cell research; there is that hope for the cure to Alzheimer's disease. The research into using stem cells to create and replace brain cells destroyed by Alzheimer's disease giver everyone hope. Stem cell research has the potential to help more than 100 million Americans who have life-threatening diseases and conditions; including the number sixth cause of death in our country-Alzheimer's disease. There is clearly hope on the horizon for all who suffer from Alzheimer's; hope for them and their families as well.
There are three possible approaches to using stem cells to treat Alzheimer's disease. Scientists may use stem cells to regenerate or regrow diseased parts of the brain. (McMahon, 2012). This is what many think of when they imagine treating Alzheimer's disease with stem cells. "There is a problem with this approach," state Dr. McMahon.(2012) The brain is physically integral to memory so even if scientists could grow a fresh, young part of the brain to replace the diseased part; the memories would not be there. It would be just like wiping a chalk board clean and starting over. Scientists believe that perhaps the person could be re-educated and make new memories; but what happens to the "old you" in this case? Many feel this process would not be a complete success over the disease. One other approach is to use mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) not as rebuilding agents, but rather healers of the existing brain cells.(McMahon,2012). "In this way of thinking, MSC could heal rather than replace neurons. MSC are kind of akin to the natural doctors of the body and could have anti-inflammatory and other powers that may ameliorate Alzheimer's disease.
