Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder without a cure. It usually comes on later in life, and people with the disease will likely experience worsening symptoms over time, which can include stiffness, loss of sense, mental health problems, and difficulties with speaking. Parkinson’s is hard for anyone to deal with and often greatly affects the loved ones of those diagnosed. What if there was a way to treat Parkinson’s and reverse the symptoms? That’s what stem cell therapy aims to do. Here at BioXcellerator, learn all about stem cell therapy and its role in improving Parkinson’s symptoms.
What is Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder, which means it progressively gets worse over time. It specifically affects the brain, causing the brain neurons to die, which, in turn, prevents the brain from releasing the right amount of dopamine. The cause of Parkinson’s isn’t yet known, although it’s expected that genetics plays a significant role, and it’s more common in older people. The symptoms include:
- Tremors
- Slow Movements
- Stiff Limbs
- Loss of Senses (such as smell)
- Difficulty with Speaking
As mentioned before, there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease. However, there are plenty of treatment options available, and many people can enjoy a high quality of life while living with this disease. Some treatments include medications that can increase dopamine levels in the brain. Other treatments involve physical therapies, such as speech therapy and yoga, which can help with some of the physical symptoms.
What is Stem Cell Therapy?
Stem cell therapy is a regenerative medical treatment that involves harvesting stem cells and then readministering them into the body. The aim is to stimulate healing thanks to the stem cells’ growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. Stem cells are very clever – they can repair and regenerate damaged tissues, leading to healing within the body. They are very versatile, too; they can work just as well at healing an injury as they can healing an organ. There is no denying how special they are! It is no wonder that stem cells have been continuously researched and used in studies since the first stem cell treatments, and that has included research into stem cells’ ability to improve symptoms in Parkinson’s patients.
Read Next: What are Stem Cells?
Can Stem Cell Therapy Improve Parkinson’s?
Yes. When you look into the science of stem cell therapy, it makes sense that regenerative medicine can slow down the progression of Parkinson’s disease. That’s because stem cells can regenerate soft tissue, and that includes in the brain – Parkinson’s disease leads to the death of brain cells, and stem cells can repair them, which means the brain can then start producing dopamine once more. Stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s involves stem cell injections into the brain, where they can begin the healing process.
It’s worth noting that research is ongoing, with scientists wanting to explore the possibility of this treatment more and more. Luckily, there are plenty of clinical trials looking into its effectiveness, many of which show promising results. For example, one study was given the green light to move into phase two due to the effectiveness and safety of the treatment.
The Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy for Parkinson’s
Getting stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s offers a range of benefits, including:
It is Minimally Invasive
Stem cell therapy is not an invasive medicine. The stem cells will either be taken from your body (during a painless harvesting process using needles) or will be provided by a donor. From there, you only need to receive a set of injections, with the number depending on your particular treatment plan. It’s not invasive at all, and the recovery process is fast.
It Stimulates Healing
Using stem cells derived from your body, you can stimulate healing, which is pretty incredible. Stem cell therapy is a regenerative medicine using stem cells that already live throughout your body – in that way, it’s a very natural way to heal.
It Can Boost Dopamine
The main problem with Parkinson’s disease is that, when the neurons die, they lose their ability to produce dopamine, which creates unpleasant symptoms such as mental health problems. Stem cell therapy can boost dopamine production by healing the brain cells which can then produce more dopamine, effectively improving symptoms.
It Can Be Used Alongside Other Treatments
Stem cell therapy works well in conjunction with other treatments. For example, you could pursue stem cell therapy to restore brain cells while taking a medication like Levodopa to increase dopamine production – both treatments will work well together. Similarly, it would help to incorporate other therapies into your treatment alongside stem cell therapy, such as speech therapy and exercises.
Should You Get Stem Cell Therapy for Parkinson’s?
Deciding whether to get stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s can be tricky. There are several things to consider, including how far along the disease is, what other treatments have worked for you, your medical history, and the stem cell therapy cost. It’s always best to speak to a medical professional about your decision, as they can guide you in the right direction. At BioXcellerator, we have a team of experts on hand to assist you at any point – we also offer free consultations with absolutely no obligation.
Read Next: What Are Stem Cell Injections?
Can Stem Cell Therapy Improve Parkinson’s? Final Thoughts
Stem cell therapy is a very exciting regenerative medicine that has already proven effective at treating Parkinson’s. While more research is in progress, the science so far is on its side. With stem cell therapy, Parkinson’s patients can effectively treat their symptoms and slow the progression of the disease by repairing damaged brain cells.
Do you want to get started with stem cell therapy? Whether you’re interested in talking about the process or have Parkinson’s and want to pursue regenerative medicine, we are here to assist you. Contact our team today to learn more about stem cell injections for Parkinson’s disease, or look at the locations we cover to see if we have a clinic near you.
