Research offers hope for 'potential' Alzheimer's treatments

Healthcare News
25/06/2008
A new study offers hope for future treatment of neurological conditions.

New research has been revealed which could help develop future treatments for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease as well other neurological conditions.

Scientists at the Burnham Institute for Medical Research in the US say they have genetically programmed embryonic stem cells to become nerve cells when transplanted into the brain, according to a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience.

Mice afflicted by strokes are said to have shown "tangible therapeutic improvement" after transplantation of the cells, with none forming tumours - which is said to have been a significant problem in previous attempts at stem cell transplantation.

Lead researcher and professor Stuart Lipton said that transplantation of the cells had a positive effect in the behaviour of the mice.

Dr Lipton added: "These findings could potentially lead to new treatments for stroke and neuro-degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease."

Last week, Luton Today reported that scientists at the University of Bedfordshire are studying the potential effects of exercise on the body's cells and in particular the impact it may have on people living with Parkinson's disease.