New Hope for Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, and Alzheimer Patients

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, ALS (Lou Gehrig's), Huntington's, Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, and even stroke affect millions of Americans. The outcome of these diseases is devastating and life altering. As our population ages, the number of patients with signs of neurodegeneration is also on the rise. Yet, treatment options are limited. Thus far scientists have studied many treatment approaches with limited success. Now scientists at the Institute for Cell and Neurobiology at the Charite in Berlin, Germany, together with colleagues at the Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology in Bonn, Germany, have figured out, why nerve cells are not being regenerated in the brain of patients suffering from a neurodegenerative condition. This might lead to a successful treatment option in the restoration of nerve cell regeneration. Ultimately, it might even advance other nerve cell regeneration research such as in cases of spinal injuries.

Neurodegenerative diseases can take many forms. Many of us are familiar with conditions like Alzheimer's, ALS (Lou Gehrig's), Huntington's, Parkinson's, and Multiple Sclerosis. There are many more less common forms of neurodegeneration. Even epilepsy, stroke, and other head traumas yield a form of neurodegeneration in a patient. They all have in common that a patient slowly or suddenly looses neural brain and/or spinal functions. The loss of neurons in those areas leads to the usually irreversible inability to control movements, sensory functions, and even decision making.

Scientists have taken many approaches to treat neurodegenerative conditions. Research is being conducted on the neurological, neuropahtological, cell biological, genetical, molecular biological, computational and structural biological, biotechnological, and pharmaceutical level. Currently, most treatment options only offer relieve of the symptoms. A cure is not available. Brain damage is still permanent damage.