WHAT IS PARKINSON'S DISEASE?
WHO IS AFFECTED BY PARKINSON'S DISEASE?
Parkinson's Disease affects 2-4% of people 60 years and older. Parkinson's Disease breaks down nerve cells in the brain, which are responsible for creating dopamine, a chemical which sends signals to parts of your brain which control movement. Without the ability to control movement, daily tasks can become very difficult, such as having tremors. Parkinson's Disease is progressive, in that it eventually becomes worse over time, but at a slow rate.The cause of Parkinson's Disease may be due to genetic and environmental factors, but the real cause is unknown. (Citation 16, 29, 30)
STEM CELL CHALLENGES
There are many obstacles to face when dealing with stem cell-based replacement therapies for treatments to actually become a reality. Stem cells that are able to survive and function correctly in the host brain are needed, in quantity and quality. Scientists are still working to find which stem cell type, such as embryonic, adult, or induced pluripotent stem cells are ideal for treating Parkinson's Disease. (Citation 29)
(Photo 48)
(Photo 48)
THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF STEM CELLS
Stem cell research for Parkinson's disease, funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation, have found that stem cells have the potential to impact the development of disease-modifiying treatments. Research is still being done to determine which type of stem cell will be most effective in the treatment of Parkinson's. Researchers are leaning more toward embryonic stem cells, for they may have the ability to produce more dopamine neurons. Dopamine is the brain chemical that helps to send signals to the body for movement. The body's ability to produce dopamine would aid in relief from everyday problems created by Parkinson's, such as better coordination and reduced tremors. (Citation 29,30)