A new treatment could help patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) regain movement and function. ALS is a progressive neurological disease that deteriorates muscles causing stiffness, and it can cause overactive muscle reflexes. Other symptoms of ALS include vocal cord spams that impair speech and swallowing.
Researchers have not found a cure for ALS; however, results from a preliminary study that involves stem cell treatment indicate that a new method could help limit the progression of ALS and help regain lost neurological functions.
Stem Cell Therapy for Diseases
Stem Cells & ALS
During this research trial, Israeli researchers examined 26 patients with ALS over the course of four years. Researches collected stems cells from the patient’s own bone marrow and processed the cells in a proprietary method. After researchers prepared the cells, they were then injected directly into the patient’s spinal fluid, and the results of therapy were monitored.
Preliminary results of this ALS stem cell treatment showed that out of the 26 patients who were treated, 90 percent experienced significant improvements in motor skills like walking and hand movement. Another improvement observed in this new therapy was the ability to talk, which indicates that other functions like swallowing and eating could improve. The results of this new therapy took about a month to show results, and improvements lasted for several months.
Researchers noted that this new therapy not only slowed down the deterioration of muscles, but patients were able to regain lost neurological function. The results of this study are prompting new research that expands developing motor neurons that could improve the outcomes of the new therapy.
Promising Results Prompts Similar Study in the U.S.
Another study of this new ALS treatment is going to be conducted in the U.S. to determine if it has similar results on a different population. Beyond ALS, this new therapy could also help other conditions such Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries.
