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.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Patients with this condition often experience a broad range of symptoms that get worse over time. While there’s no known cure, some interventions and regenerative therapies can be helpful.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ALS, it’s important to seek as much information as possible. That way, you can get the proper treatment and know what to expect as the disease manifests in your body. Here’s everything you need to know to be prepared for ALS.
Lou Gehrig’s Disease: The Neurological and Muscular Effects
ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Unfortunately, it has severe effects on your nervous system and muscular function as it progresses.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis primarily affects your body’s motor neurons, which are responsible for dictating voluntary movements. Toward the end of the disease’s progression, involuntary movements like breathing can slow or stop entirely.
When your motor neurons can no longer communicate with your muscles properly, your muscles start to waste away. This is called muscular atrophy. Once a muscle has atrophied, it no longer has enough tone to carry out normal movements.
Since ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, the symptoms get worse over time. In the later stages of the disease, ALS patients have trouble speaking, eating, swallowing, and making any voluntary movements at all.
Who Gets ALS? Risk Factors and Genetic Components
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is usually a sporadic disease, meaning patients get it randomly without an obvious known cause. In some cases, although very rare, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is passed down through families.
Genetic ALS stems from genetic mutations that are then passed on to children of affected parents. These cases only make up 10% or less of all ALS cases.
Sporadic ALS may have certain risk factors, but there are no clear causes. This means scientists can’t yet point to a single cause of developing ALS if it’s not genetic.
Possible Risk Factors for Sporadic Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Some loose associations between age, sex, and occupation have been made in relation to Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases. The presence of these risk factors does not guarantee that someone will develop ALS.
These possible risk factors include:
Age: Being 55 to 75 years old
Sex: Early-life cases are most common in men
Military service: Veterans may be at higher risk
One possible reason that military veterans are at higher risk for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is because of their exposure to toxins like pesticides. Being around harmful chemicals may contribute to the development of this debilitating disease, but scientists aren’t sure of this.
The First Signs of ALS
There are two types of ALS onset — limb onset and bulbar onset. Limb-onset Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis affects your arms or legs or both at the same time. You may notice problems with coordination, fine motor control, walking, and using your hands.
Bulbar-onset ALS first affects the neurons that control your speech and swallowing abilities. You might notice difficulty getting your words out properly or trouble swallowing.
It doesn’t take long for the beginning symptoms of ALS to spread and get worse. This is often how physicians diagnose ALS, as rapidly progressing symptoms usually indicate a serious neurological problem.
Progressive Problems and More Serious Symptoms
As ALS develops, symptoms can become severe and even debilitating. Some patients experience changes seemingly overnight, while others develop more serious symptoms over weeks or months.
The neuron degeneration caused by ALS can start to interfere with essential body functions such as breathing, blinking, and swallowing.
Respiratory Symptoms
Respiration problems are common in end-stage ALS. The muscles in your chest that support breathing may become weak or paralyzed entirely.
Some respiratory symptoms of ALS include:
Shortness of breath (at rest)
Excess saliva
Inability to clear your throat and lungs of mucus
Pneumonia
Weak coughing
Worsened breathing when lying flat
Respiratory system failure
Hospital interventions usually include ventilators to keep air flowing in and out of the patient’s lungs.
Muscle Stiffness and Atrophy
As Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis interferes with their proper use, your muscles start to lose tone, mobility, and structure. This is known as muscle atrophy and may be accompanied by extreme stiffness.
As Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis progresses, many patients lose the ability to speak loudly. The muscles involved in speech start to freeze up and become paralyzed. This can also cause an inability to swallow.
Extreme Weight Loss
Being unable to consume food and fluids normally can lead to excessive weight loss in late-stage Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. This isn’t a healthy type of weight loss, and it’s usually caused, in part, by loss of muscle mass.
Mental Health Challenges
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis doesn’t affect your perception or cognition, meaning you can still hear, see, and think normally. Since the person is aware of their deteriorating condition, they may experience depression, anxiety, and other serious mental health challenges. Having a strong support system is key to remaining mentally well through your ALS journey.
Treatment Options for ALS
You can receive treatment for ALS to slow the progression of the disease. While there is no cure, medical intervention can help you maintain your quality of life for a longer period.
ALS Medication
Some medications protect your motor neurons from further damage, which slows the progression of your ALS symptoms. These medications won’t revive damaged or dead neurons, but they can improve your disease prognosis.
Physical and Occupational Therapy
Therapies that involve movement and motor functioning can help you maintain your muscle tone and avoid stiffness. While you still have the ability to move your limbs and smaller muscles, it’s crucial to practice doing so as much as possible. This repetition helps your brain and body stay in a good rhythm and slow motor damage.
Stem cell therapy uses unspecialized human cells to serve specific purposes throughout the body. In the case of ALS, stem cells are administered so they can differentiate into nerve cells to assist with your functioning and comfort. This may be worth considering if you want to approach your ALS symptoms from all possible angles.
Living With Purpose: Life After an ALS Diagnosis
It’s important to maintain a positive outlook as much as possible. Having the support of medical professionals, family, and friends can make all the difference in your quality of life with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Try not to lose hope; science is progressing toward new treatments every day.
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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