Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that affects the nerve cells (neurons) in the brain and spinal cord. As the nerve cells that control motor functions deteriorate and die, the patiently gradually loses muscle control. Unfortunately, the disease is progressive, and symptoms like muscle weakness, twitching, and stiffness worsen over time.
The disease currently has no cure, and few effective treatments exist. However, scientists are working on new treatment strategies, such as stem cell therapy.
Neurological disorders include a broad range of conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. Before the advent of stem cell medicine, the progression of these diseases could not be slowed, and they were treated only symptomatically, using a whole spectrum of drugs. The damage that the neurons had sustained could not be fixed.
Fortunately, stem cells have since demonstrated remarkable healing properties in the body. Studies have now shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can repair deteriorated nerve cells and even regrow new ones, since they naturally migrate to damaged areas in the body. In a recent preclinical study, MSCs were shown to be able to improve motor function, protect neurons, and even delay disease onset.
