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.