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Can stem cells cure Alzheimer's?

From , former About.com Guide

Updated: July 21, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

A. Stem cell research does offer hope for a number of diseases including Alzheimer's. Treatment success will depend on a number of factors, among them:
  • The ability to understand more about normal cell development

  • The ability to correct errors and damage to diseased and abnormal cells

  • The ability to understand the process by which stem cells transform into other cell types

  • The ability to make sure any stem cell treatments are safe

  • We have to find out the cause and processes by which Alzheimer's affects the brain and neurological system. At present the cause and progress of Alzheimer's disease is not fully understood. Whether stem cell treatment will be able to target Alzheimer's primary cause or if, (and more difficult) it can treat more global disease with a more diffuse pattern of damage is the unknown factor in treating Alzheimer's.
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