Stem cell therapies in age-related neurodegenerative diseases and stroke

•We describe common pathophysiological changes underlying age-related neurodegenerative diseases and stroke.•We introduce the properties of different stem cells and discuss stem cell therapies in neurodegenerative diseases and stroke.•We describe the benefits and limitations of stem cell therapies in neurodegenerative diseases and stroke.•Stem cell therapy in age-related neurodegenerative diseases and stroke.