Parkinson’s and stem cells

New advances in treating Parkinson’s disease have recently been published, coming straight from experts in Japan.

Parkinson’s disease is a terrible scourge that affects people all over the world. With more and more
cases being diagnosed every day and still no cure in sight, new glimmers of hope like this new
research are always exciting.

A team from University of Kyoto recently studied the effects of injecting pluripotent cells into the
brain of a Parkinson’s patient. The treatment was well supported, and the patient monitored for two
years, yet to experience any problems. If all goes well, he will receive another cell transplant at a
later date.

This disease causes neurones to deteriorate, specifically those that generate dopamine, a
neurotransmitter involved in controlling movement. Pluripotent cells, however, have the capacity to
grow into dopamine-producing neurones. We’ll just have to wait and see if this thrilling new
technique works!