Neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) affect millions of people around the world. These conditions often develop slowly and progressively damage the brain and spinal cord, leading to symptoms such as memory loss, difficulty moving, problems with speech, and the inability to perform daily tasks. While current treatments can help manage symptoms and slow progression, they don’t repair the underlying damage to nerve cells.
Neural stem cell therapy is a new approach that may change this. By tapping into the body’s natural ability to grow and repair nerve tissue, researchers hope to develop treatments that can do more than ease symptoms – they may one day restore function and improve quality of life for those living with neurological diseases.
As part of this review, Yang et al. discuss the application and value of NSCs in neurological diseases as well as the existing problems and challenges.
Defining Neural Stem Cells
Neural stem cells, or NSCs, are special types of cells that exist in the brain and spinal cord. They are able to make more of themselves and can also develop into different types of brain cells. These include neurons, which carry signals in the brain; astrocytes, which provide support and nutrients to neurons; and oligodendrocytes, which help protect nerve fibers by forming a coating around them.
In early development, NSCs help build the brain and nervous system. In adults, small numbers of NSCs remain in certain parts of the brain, where they play a limited role in maintaining brain health. However, their natural healing abilities are not enough to repair the kind of widespread damage seen in conditions like Parkinson’s or ALS.
According to the authors, scientists are now learning how to grow these cells in the lab and use them in therapy to help the body heal from neurological disease.
Barriers to Natural Nerve Repair
Unlike other parts of the body, the brain and spinal cord do not heal easily after injury or disease. When neurons die, they are not naturally replaced. This is a major reason why neurological diseases are so difficult to treat. For example, in Parkinson’s disease, dopamine-producing neurons in the brain die off, leading to tremors and difficulty with movement. In ALS, the motor neurons that control muscle movement degenerate, eventually affecting a person’s ability to walk, speak, and breathe.
Most treatments available today focus on easing symptoms or slowing down how quickly the disease progresses, but they are unable to fix the problem at its source. Neural stem cell therapy aims to do just that – repair or replace damaged nerve cells, restore connections, and support the brain’s ability to function normally again.
Mechanisms of Neural Stem Cell-Mediated Healing
Neural stem cells do more than simply turn into new neurons. Research has shown that they can protect existing nerve cells from further damage and promote the growth of axons, which are the long fibers that send messages from one neuron to another. In diseases where nerve fibers lose their protective coating, NSCs may also help rebuild that layer and improve communication between cells.
In addition, these cells release helpful molecules that support brain health, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). These substances help nourish nerve cells and keep them alive longer. NSCs also seem to help reduce inflammation, which is a common feature in many neurological conditions and can make symptoms worse. By calming the immune system and supporting blood vessel growth, NSCs are able to create a healthier environment for the brain and spinal cord to recover.
Tailoring Therapy to Specific Diseases
Each neurological disease affects a specific set of brain or nerve cells. In Parkinson’s disease, it’s the dopamine-producing neurons in a region of the brain called the substantia nigra. In Alzheimer’s disease, neurons are lost across many parts of the brain, affecting memory and thinking. Huntington’s disease causes damage in the parts of the brain that control movement and emotions. ALS destroys the motor neurons that control voluntary muscles.
Because these diseases target particular cell types, Yang et al. believe neural stem cell therapy offers a tailored approach to treating these diseases. By delivering NSCs directly to affected areas, researchers hope to replace the cells that have been lost, support the survival of remaining neurons, and help rebuild the pathways the brain needs to function. This is different from current treatments, which manage symptoms without addressing the actual damage in the brain or spinal cord.
Findings from Clinical Research
While this field is still developing, the authors point to early clinical trials that have already tested neural stem cell therapy in patients with ALS and Parkinson’s disease. In one study involving 12 ALS patients, stem cells were injected into the spinal cord. The procedure was found to be safe, and some patients experienced a slower progression of their symptoms over the next two and a half years.
Another small study combined NSC therapy with a vaccine aimed at boosting the immune system. In this study, patients with ALS lived longer and showed improvements in function for at least a year. Yet another group of ALS patients received stem cells derived from fetal tissue, and most of them remained stable with no serious side effects for 18 months. A larger follow-up study involving 18 ALS patients also confirmed the safety of the treatment over a five-year period.
For Parkinson’s disease, a recent study transplanted NSCs into the brains of eight patients. Most participants reported better movement and coordination in the months and years that followed. Brain scans also showed signs of increased dopamine activity, which is usually low in people with Parkinson’s.
Although the studies are small, the authors indicate that they suggest that NSC therapy is well tolerated and has the potential to improve quality of life for patients with serious neurological conditions.
Future Outlook for Neural Stem Cell Therapy
Neural stem cell therapy has the potential to change how neurological diseases are treated. Instead of simply managing symptoms, this novel approach aims to repair and rebuild the nervous system. While the science is still evolving, Yang et al. point to early studies in patients with ALS and Parkinson’s disease as evidence that NSC therapy is safe and may lead to real improvements in function and quality of life.
Source: Yang L, Liu SC, Liu YY, Zhu FQ, Xiong MJ, Hu DX, Zhang WJ. Therapeutic role of neural stem cells in neurological diseases. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2024 Mar 7;12:1329712. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1329712. PMID: 38515621; PMCID: PMC10955145.
According to a recent study released by The Lancet Neurology, more than 3 billion people worldwide are living with a neurological condition, making it the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide.
The rate of neurological conditions, including neurodevelopmental disorders (such as autism), neurodegenerative disorders (such as Alzheimer’s), movement disorders (such as Parkinson’s), brain injuries, neuroinfections, and multiple sclerosis, has increased by 18% since 1990 and now affects 1 out of every 3 people on the planet.
Currently, limited or no treatment options exist for these conditions. Cell-based therapies, and particularly those involving mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been intensively studied as potential treatment options for neurological diseases.
As part of this review, Soares et al. share current knowledge of MSC-based therapies for neurological diseases and discuss the challenges associated with generating more efficient cell therapy products for these conditions.
According to the authors, the therapeutic potential of MSCs is attributed to their homing property, multilineage differentiation, and paracrine function. Specifically, MSCs are able to migrate toward injured tissues, engraft, and differentiate into functional cells. MSCs have also demonstrated the ability to repair, not replace, damaged cells and tissues.
MSCs contribute to the repair of cells and tissues through the paracrine action which demonstrates a wide range of immunomodulatory, angiogenic, antiapoptotic, and growth factors.
Soares et al. include a discussion of the most recent research regarding the safety, efficacy, and mechanism of action of MSC-based therapy in a number of neurological diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, glaucoma, stroke, spinal cord injury, and autism. According to the authors, while most of the preclinical studies were conducted using animal models, both preclinical and clinical findings have demonstrated positive effects on safety, tolerability, and functional improvement after transplantation of MSCs
Considering the promising potential and identified limitations of using MSC-based therapies for the treatment of neurological disorders, Soares et al. conclude this review by calling for further study with the aim of developing better strategies to obtain larger quantities of healthy cells for use in cell therapies and to reduce the variability of results due to the biological characteristics of MSCs.
Source: Soares MBP, Gonçalves RGJ, Vasques JF, et al. Current Status of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells for Treatment of Neurological Diseases. Front Mol Neurosci. 2022;15:883378. Published 2022 Jun 16. doi:10.3389/fnmol.2022.883378
Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of disorders that progressively impair the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as memory loss, movement difficulties, and other disabilities. These conditions result from damage to neurons, the cells responsible for transmitting information within the brain and throughout the nervous system.
Some of the most common neurodegenerative diseases include Alzheimer’s disease, which affects memory, thinking, and behavior; Parkinson’s disease, which causes movement problems like tremors and rigidity; Huntington’s disease, which leads to a loss of motor control and cognitive decline; multiple sclerosis (MS), which involves damage to the protective covering of nerve fibers; and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which gradually destroys motor neurons, resulting in muscle weakness and paralysis.
Although these diseases have distinct symptoms, they share common features, such as neuron damage and inflammation. Currently, treatment options are limited, primarily focused on slowing the progression of these conditions rather than providing a cure.
What is Neural Stem Cell Therapy?
Neural Stem Cell Therapy is an innovative approach that uses stem cells to repair or replace damaged neurons. Stem cells have unique properties, including the ability to renew themselves and transform into various cell types. Neural stem cells are a specific type that can become different types of brain cells, such as neurons or supportive glial cells. This therapy has shown promise in laboratory and clinical settings, as it potentially offers a way to rebuild lost connections in the brain and restore function.
Key Benefits of Neural Stem Cell Therapy in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Research has shown that Neural Stem Cell Therapy could provide three primary benefits for neurodegenerative diseases:
Reducing Inflammation – Stem cells help to calm down inflammation in the brain, a key contributor to the damage seen in diseases like MS and Alzheimer’s.
Promoting Neuron Regeneration – Stem cells can grow into new neurons, replacing the ones damaged by disease.
Improving Functional Recovery – By repairing lost connections, this therapy has the potential to restore some lost functions, such as memory and movement control.
How Neural Stem Cell Therapy Works in Specific Diseases
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by a buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, which disrupt normal communication between neurons and lead to memory and cognitive decline. Research into Neural Stem Cell Therapy has shown encouraging results in this area:
Reducing Plaque Formation – Studies indicate that Neural Stem Cell Therapy may reduce amyloid plaques, which are toxic to brain cells.
Improving Cognitive Function – Clinical trials suggest that patients who receive this therapy show improvements in memory and thinking, possibly due to restored neuron function.
Parkinson’s Disease
In Parkinson’s, there is a progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons, which leads to motor symptoms like tremors and stiffness. Neural Stem Cell Therapy may help by:
Replacing Lost Dopaminergic Neurons – Stem cells can be encouraged to turn into dopamine-producing cells, helping restore dopamine levels in the brain.
Improving Motor Function – Early research shows that patients experience improved movement control after receiving stem cell treatments.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers, leading to damage and inflammation. Neural Stem Cell Therapy may aid MS patients by:
Remyelinating Damaged Axons – Stem cells can develop into the type of cells needed to replace the protective myelin sheath around nerves, improving nerve function.
Reducing Inflammation – The therapy helps decrease the inflammatory response that worsens nerve damage in MS patients.
The Potential Impact of Neural Stem Cell Therapy
Despite the challenges, the progress made so far in Neural Stem Cell Therapy holds tremendous potential. Continued research and clinical trials may lead to breakthrough treatments that could transform the management of neurodegenerative diseases. If successful, Neural Stem Cell Therapy could offer a way to restore function, improve quality of life, and provide new hope for millions worldwide who suffer from these debilitating conditions.
As research advances, the field of Neural Stem Cell Therapy is likely to evolve, hopefully leading to accessible, effective, and safe treatments that directly address the underlying causes of neurodegenerative diseases. This therapy represents a major step forward in regenerative medicine, with the potential to change how we approach treatment for these complex and life-altering disorders.
Source: Gholamzad, A., Sadeghi, H., Azizabadi Farahani, M., Faraji, A., Rostami, M., Khonche, S., Kamrani, S., Khatibi, M., Moeini, O., Hosseini, S. A., Nourikhani, M., & Gholamzad, M. (2023). Neural Stem Cell Therapies: Promising Treatments for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Neurology Letters, 2(2), 55-68. doi: 10.61186/nl.2.2.55
Harnessing the Power of Neural Stem Cells and Exosomes for Neurological Diseases: A Promising Frontier
In the realm of medical science, there are few areas as complex and challenging as neurological diseases. These conditions, which include Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), affect millions of people worldwide and have been notoriously difficult to treat. Traditional therapies often provide only symptomatic relief, and many fail to halt or reverse the progression of these debilitating diseases.
However, emerging research in the field of regenerative medicine is shedding light on a potentially transformative approach: the use of neural stem cells (NSCs) and their secreted exosomes to repair damaged tissues and restore neurological function.
One significant study, titled “Therapeutic Role of Neural Stem Cells in Neurological Diseases,” published in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, explores the immense therapeutic potential of NSCs and their exosomes. This study, alongside many others like it, underscores the groundbreaking possibilities these biological agents hold for the treatment of neurological diseases.
Neural Stem Cells: The Brain’s Repair System
Neural stem cells are a specialized type of stem cell found in the brain and spinal cord. Unlike fully differentiated cells, stem cells have the remarkable ability to develop into various cell types. In the case of NSCs, they can differentiate into neurons (nerve cells), astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes—key components of the central nervous system (CNS).
NSCs are particularly valuable because they have the potential to replace damaged or lost cells in the brain, a quality that is essential in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, where cell loss and dysfunction are the primary causes of disease progression. Moreover, NSCs can self-renew, which means they can continue to divide and produce more stem cells over time, making them a sustainable resource for regenerative therapies.
How Neural Stem Cells Aid Neurological Recovery
Research indicates that NSCs can contribute to neurological recovery in several ways:
Cell Replacement: When neurons or other CNS cells are lost due to injury or disease, NSCs can differentiate into these specific cell types, replacing the damaged or missing cells. For example, in Parkinson’s disease, where dopaminergic neurons die off, NSCs could theoretically be used to replenish these neurons and restore normal dopamine levels.
Neuroprotection: NSCs also secrete a variety of trophic factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), that support neuron survival, reduce inflammation, and protect existing neurons from further damage. This neuroprotective role is crucial in conditions like multiple sclerosis, where chronic inflammation leads to the degradation of myelin, the protective sheath around neurons.
Neurogenesis: NSCs have the ability to promote the generation of new neurons—a process known as neurogenesis. This is particularly important for diseases like stroke or traumatic brain injury, where large numbers of neurons are lost.
Modulating the Immune System: In many neurological diseases, immune dysregulation plays a significant role. NSCs have been shown to interact with the immune system, modulating immune responses in ways that reduce inflammation and encourage healing.
Exosomes: The Secret Weapon of Neural Stem Cells
While the direct implantation of neural stem cells holds promise, recent research suggests that the therapeutic benefits of these cells may be largely mediated through their exosomes. Exosomes are tiny, nanoscale vesicles secreted by cells, including NSCs. These vesicles are packed with proteins, lipids, RNA, and microRNA, and they play a key role in intercellular communication.
In the context of neurological diseases, exosomes derived from neural stem cells have been shown to carry a variety of cargo that can help repair damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and promote neurogenesis.
How Exosomes Aid in Neurological Healing
The therapeutic benefits of neural stem cell-derived exosomes in neurological diseases include the following:
Promoting Neurogenesis: Exosomes can carry pro-regenerative factors such as microRNAs and proteins that stimulate the production of new neurons. This can be particularly beneficial after a stroke or traumatic brain injury, where large areas of the brain are damaged.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Many neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s, are characterized by chronic inflammation in the brain. Exosomes can deliver anti-inflammatory agents directly to the affected areas, helping to reduce inflammation and slow the progression of disease.
Supporting Neuronal Survival: Exosomes contain neurotrophic factors that help to support the survival of existing neurons, particularly in degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and ALS. By preserving the neurons that are still functional, exosome therapies could help to maintain brain function and prevent further cognitive decline.
Repairing the Blood-Brain Barrier: The blood-brain barrier is a critical structure that protects the brain from harmful substances in the bloodstream. However, in many neurological diseases, this barrier becomes damaged, allowing toxins and immune cells to enter the brain. Exosomes have been shown to play a role in repairing the blood-brain barrier, protecting the brain from further damage.
Clinical Applications of NSCs and Exosomes in Neurological Diseases
Alzheimer’s Disease: Alzheimer’s is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, which lead to widespread neuron death. NSCs and their exosomes have been shown to clear amyloid-beta deposits, reduce neuroinflammation, and promote the survival of neurons. Studies suggest that exosome-based therapies could offer a non-invasive way to deliver treatments that target the root causes of Alzheimer’s, potentially halting or reversing disease progression.
Parkinson’s Disease: The loss of dopamine-producing neurons in Parkinson’s results in movement disorders, including tremors and rigidity. NSCs can differentiate into dopaminergic neurons, potentially replacing those lost in Parkinson’s patients. Moreover, exosomes derived from NSCs can carry neuroprotective factors that support the survival of remaining neurons, which could slow disease progression.
Stroke: Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, leading to the death of brain cells. In animal models, NSC-derived exosomes have been shown to reduce brain damage, promote neurogenesis, and improve functional recovery. These exosomes can cross the blood-brain barrier, making them a promising candidate for stroke therapy.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): MS is an autoimmune disease that attacks the myelin sheath around neurons. NSCs have been shown to promote remyelination—the process of repairing damaged myelin—and to modulate the immune system in ways that reduce the autoimmune attack on the CNS. Exosomes can deliver anti-inflammatory signals to the brain, helping to repair myelin and restore normal function.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): TBI often leads to long-term neurological impairments due to widespread neuron damage. NSCs and their exosomes offer the potential to repair damaged neurons, reduce inflammation, and promote functional recovery in patients with TBI.
Advantages of Exosome Therapy Over Stem Cell Therapy
While both neural stem cell therapy and exosome therapy hold promise for treating neurological diseases, exosomes offer several distinct advantages:
Non-Invasive Delivery: Exosomes can be administered through non-invasive methods, such as intravenous injection, and can cross the blood-brain barrier, delivering therapeutic agents directly to the brain.
Reduced Risk of Rejection: Since exosomes are acellular (they contain no cells), they are less likely to trigger an immune response or cause rejection by the body, which is a potential risk with stem cell transplants.
Targeted Therapy: Exosomes can be engineered to carry specific therapeutic agents or genetic material, making them a highly customizable treatment option for individual patients.
The Future of NSC and Exosome Therapy
As research continues to explore the therapeutic potential of NSCs and their exosomes, it’s becoming clear that these treatments could revolutionize the way we approach neurological diseases. From Alzheimer’s to traumatic brain injuries, the ability to repair damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and promote neurogenesis offers hope to millions of patients who currently have few treatment options.
While more clinical trials are needed to fully understand the safety and efficacy of these therapies in humans, the results so far are encouraging. As the science of regenerative medicine evolves, NSC and exosome therapies may soon become a cornerstone of treatment for neurological diseases, offering patients a new lease on life.
For those facing the challenges of neurological diseases, the future of medicine looks brighter than ever with the therapeutic potential of neural stem cells and their powerful exosomes leading the way.
Intrathecal cell delivery has emerged as a promising approach for improving the quality of life for patients with neurological conditions, thanks to previous studies showing its safety and potential benefits.
As part of this review, Mesa Bedoya et al. summarize the findings of a systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at evaluating the safety of intrathecally delivered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).
Neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis, significantly impact patients’ quality of life and contribute to a substantial global disease burden. With limited treatment options available, MSC therapy has gained attention due to its ability to differentiate into various cell types, secrete growth factors, and provide neuroprotection. MSCs can be delivered through several routes, including intrathecal administration, which allows for direct delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) and has been shown to enhance cell bioavailability near damaged areas.
The authors’ primary goal was to assess the safety of intrathecal MSC administration by analyzing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing this method to control treatments in adult patients with neurological conditions.
As part of this review, Mesa Bedoya et al. conducted a thorough search of several databases up through April 2023, including RCTs that compared intrathecal MSC delivery with control treatments. They focused on adverse events (AEs) and performed a meta-analysis using statistical models to evaluate the overall safety. The authors also examined potential factors influencing the occurrence of AEs and assessed publication bias.
A total of 303 records were reviewed, with nine RCTs involving 540 patients meeting the inclusion criteria. The analysis revealed that intrathecal MSCs were associated with an increased probability of AEs related to musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders. Specifically, fresh MSCs had a higher probability of causing AEs compared to cryopreserved MSCs. Additionally, multiple doses of MSCs were associated with a 36% reduction in the probability of AEs compared to single doses.
Despite these findings, the data did not show significant associations between AEs and various study covariates. The review highlighted that, while there was a higher incidence of musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders, no serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported. The most common AEs, which included back pain, pain in extremities, and muscle aches, were generally transient and minimal in risk if patients were monitored appropriately.
Mesa Bedoya et al’s study supports the notion that intrathecal MSC delivery is a generally safe procedure, with an increased risk of specific, minor AEs. It also confirms previous findings that suggest this method is a viable option for delivering MSC therapy to patients with neurological conditions.
However, the authors also acknowledge limitations, including potential small-study effects and issues related to the crossover design of some included trials. These limitations suggest that the results should be interpreted with caution, and the findings highlight the need for larger, well-designed RCTs with longer follow-up periods to validate the safety and efficacy of intrathecal MSC delivery.
The authors conclude that this review indicates that intrathecal delivery of MSCs results in a minor increase in AEs related to musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders but no serious adverse events. This supports the safety of intrathecal MSC therapy for neurological conditions, though further research with larger sample sizes and more rigorous study designs is needed to confirm these findings and address the limitations identified.
Source: Mesa Bedoya, L.E., Camacho Barbosa, J.C., López Quiceno, L. et al. The safety profile of mesenchymal stem cell therapy administered through intrathecal injections for treating neurological disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Stem Cell Res Ther 15, 146 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-024-03748-7
Getting any serious medical diagnosis can be frightening and intimidating. You might be unsure of what to do next or how to manage your condition. When it comes to Parkinson’s disease, the future can be even more uncertain since it’s a progressive neurodegenerative condition. It’s important to make a plan for how you’ll proceed after receiving a Parkinson’s diagnosis. You aren’t alone on your journey. Here are some steps you can take after your doctor tells you that you have Parkinson’s disease.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
Before you make an action plan, you should fully understand your Parkinson’s diagnosis. It’s important to know how this disease can affect your physical, mental, and social health in the future.
Parkinson’s Symptoms
Every person with Parkinson’s experiences the disease slightly differently. However, there are some common symptoms to watch out for as the disease progresses.
These are just a few of the warning signs and symptoms that Parkinson’s is progressing. Often, motor symptoms are the giveaway that someone has Parkinson’s over other diseases. It’s important to get an official diagnosis from a physician before seeking treatment.
What Causes Parkinson’s Disease?
The cause of Parkinson’s disease is the degeneration of neurons in the brain that produce dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps control voluntary movements, and without enough of it, your movements become uncoordinated or involuntary.
Certain risk factors make it more likely for someone to develop Parkinson’s. These factors include being male or over the age of 60. However, these risk factors aren’t guarantees that someone will develop this disease.
Is There a Cure?
There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease. Since it’s a neurodegenerative condition, the neurons that produce dopamine will continue to die off over time. However, modern innovative treatments like stem cell therapy may slow the progression of your symptoms to improve your quality of life.
You can also make lifestyle changes to mitigate some of the movement-related symptoms of Parkinson’s. Exercise and a healthy diet can keep you in good physical and mental shape, giving you a better ability to fight this disease.
Start Tracking Your Symptoms
After you’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you should start tracking your symptoms. Whether you use an app or a paper journal, it’s important to notice trends and patterns in your symptom development. These records will also help your doctor or Parkinson’s specialist come up with the best treatment plan for you.
You can break your symptoms down by category — movement, cognition, speech and swallowing, and other common groups of Parkinson’s symptoms. Then, record the date and severity of each symptom, noting any concerning developments along the way.
It may give you a greater sense of control and autonomy to keep track of what’s happening in your body as the disease progresses.
Piece Together a Treatment Team
Your doctor or Parkinson’s specialist may already have a treatment team for you, but if not, consider taking the steps to make your own. This may mean visiting different offices, seeking alternative therapies, and communicating with other Parkinson’s providers.
The more professionals you have on your side, the more robust and effective your treatments can be. Encourage your treatment team to communicate via medical charting or telephone so everyone can be on the same page. Always report any changes to your treatments to your primary care doctor or Parkinson’s specialist.
Get Plenty of Exercise and Gentle Movement
One of the best ways to slow the progression of Parkinson’s and retain your motor skills is to exercise. Whether you choose low-intensity activities, like walking or gentle stretches, know that you’re making healthy choices for your body.
The more your brain and body connect to produce voluntary movements, the stronger those connections become, which may help delay the onset of more severe movement symptoms. If you’ve never been physically active, now is the time to start.
There are low-impact exercises that don’t put stress and pressure on your joints. These include swimming, cycling, yoga and stretching, and elliptical workouts. Don’t feel like you have to push yourself to the max — any movement at all is healthy for you.
Improve Your Nutrition
The foods you eat play a large role in how you feel. If your diet is full of processed and refined foods, you may experience inflammation, fatigue, and other symptoms.
Eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can keep you in good shape. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, which are natural substances that fight aging and tissue damage.
If your goal is to slow the progression of Parkinson’s, incorporating more of these whole foods into your diet can’t hurt. See a registered dietician if you need help curating a healthy, well-rounded diet after a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Evaluate and Try Different Treatments
Parkinson’s has no cure, but there are interventions and medical therapies that may help with your symptoms. From prescribed medications to holistic therapies to regenerative medicine, your options are plentiful.
Regenerative medicine, in particular, may offer surprising positive results for your Parkinson’s symptoms. Interventions like stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s may help reverse some of the cellular damage caused by this disease. These treatments get to the root cause of your symptoms and have the potential to improve your quality of life.
Physical therapy and speech therapy can be helpful for many Parkinson’s patients. These interventions help you regain motor control and improve your speech once the disease has started to interfere with these functions.
Staying Hopeful After a Parkinson’s Diagnosis
It’s important for you to have a strong support system, both medically and socially, to get through Parkinson’s disease. While it can be difficult, staying hopeful and cultivating gratitude can keep your mind in a positive place as you fight these symptoms. Never give up on yourself and your health, even if you’ve been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative condition.
This website and its contents are not intended to treat, cure, diagnose, or prevent any disease. Stemedix, Inc. shall not be held liable for the medical claims made by patient testimonials or videos. They are not to be viewed as a guarantee for each individual. The efficacy for some products presented have not been confirmed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
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