Efficacy and Safety of Stem Cell Therapy in Alzheimer's Disease: A Review

Abstract:: Alzheimer's disease (AD) prevalence is a significant public health concern. Tau tangle buildup and different metabolic abnormalities are the primary neuropathological alterations that lead to this illness. Currently, there is a lack of effective treatment for patients with AD due to the complexity of the disease and the lack of a clear understanding of its aetiology. However, stem cell therapy can potentially be used to replace lost neuronal cells. Although this technology is only in its initial stages, it has the potential to transform the treatment of this condition. AD is amenable to disease-modifying treatment with stem cell therapy. Since the early 2000s, there have been more investigations on stem cells, including Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) and Neural Stem Cells (NSCs), as a result of the failure to produce new medicines for AD. Numerous animal studies have investigated issues relating to stem cells, such as their origin, ability to differentiate, how they are cultured, how they form tumours, how they are injected, and how mobile they are. Clinical trials to test the use of stem cells for AD have been underway since 2010, primarily in East Asia. Although there were no significant immediate or long-term side effects, two phase I investigations on moderate AD have been completed. Neither of these studies revealed any considerable clinical efficacy. Numerous investigations with more complex study designs, established levels, and biomarkers, such as amyloid positron emission tomography among people with mild to moderate AD, are in the works. Stem cell therapy for AD has the potential to alter the condition. The methods of action, preclinical animal studies, human clinical trials, and challenges stem cell therapy for AD faces are all covered in this article. We will also go over current advancements in stem cell research and the pathophysiology of AD, as well as challenges and solutions for employing cell-based therapeutics for AD and associated conditions.