case studies (cell replacement therapy)

Question 1

what is Alzheimer’s?

Answer 1

• a most common cause of dementia

- lapses in memory or struggling to find the right words

Question 2

what are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s?

Answer 2

• confusion, mood swings + memory loss

Question 3

what is the problem with the nervous system for Alzheimer’s?

Answer 3

• an abnormal build-up of proteins
• amyloid beta “plaques” prevent nerve cells in the brain to communicate
• tau “tangles” prevent cells from getting the needed nutrients

Question 4

who is affected by Alzheimer’s?

Answer 4

• 1.5% aged 65-69
• 25-30% aged 90yrs
• women more likely than men
• genetic

Question 5

what is the traditional treatment for Alzheimer’s?

Answer 5

• no cure
• cholinesterase inhibitors = help prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine (carry signals between neurons)
• cannot delay or halt the loss of neurons

Question 6

how can Alzheimer’s use cell replacement therapy?

Answer 6

• no stem cell treatments
• could transplant neural stem cells = make new healthy neurons
• use certain stem cells to deliver neurotrophins to the brain (support growth + neural survival
• use induced pluripotent stem cells = produce different cells = any neuron

Question 7

what is Parkinson’s disease?

Answer 7

• lack of dopamine (movement, memory, and pleasurable reward and motivation)
• targets + kills dopamine-developing cells

Question 8

whats are the symptoms of parkinsons disease?

Answer 8

• sleep disorders + depression
• tremours
• problem thinking
• loss of smell

Question 9

what is the problem with the NS in Parkinsons disease?

Answer 9

• dopamine-producing cells are killed = lack of dopamine (allows messages to ve sent to the parts that control thinking + movement)

Question 10

what is the problem with the NS in Parkinsons’ disease?

Answer 10

• dopamine-producing cells are killed = lack of dopamine (allows messages to ve sent to the parts that control thinking + movement)

Question 11

who is affected by parkinsons disease?

Answer 11

• inherited
• over 40
• men at higher risk

Question 12

what is the traditional treatment for Parkinson’s disease?

Answer 12

• levodopa = converted into dopamine in the body
• use OT and physio
• surgery = deep brain stimulation with implanted electrodes
• relieve symptoms not slow down or reverse symptoms

Question 13

how is cell therapy used for Parkinson’s disease?

Answer 13

• no stem cell treatment
• grow dopamine-producing nerve cells = replace damaged cells
• introduce pluripotent stem cells from the skin = used to make dopamine-producing neurons