Alzheimer’s is an ailment which progresses with time and eventually leaves the sufferer with dementia. Over the years, there have been several therapies which could help with the disease, but a comprehensive cure that can completely circumvent its symptoms or restrict its effects has not been found.
Recently there have been a lot of research regarding the use of Stem Cell therapy as a cure of r Alzheimer’s. According to the reports, various animal models have been developed to examine the etiology of Alzheimer’s disease and ascertain the responses of endogenous or transplanted stem cells to the pathological environment of the mind. Under many circumstances, adult neurogenesis is impaired, and the dysfunctional neurogenesis both decreased and increased has been reported for AD transgenic models.
But the researchers come with the astute hope of getting closer to finding an applicable route to use Stem Cell therapy to help grave diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
To ensure that the patient brought in has Alzheimer’s, the doctor would perform various tests only to completely make sure what kind of conditions a man is suffering from. It’s possible that the doctor might look for signs of stroke, Parkinson’s disease, brain tumors or fluid buildup in the brain to make sure that no unrecognized conditions become the main cause behind the disease.
The physician would test
- Reflexes
- Coordination of muscles and strength in muscles
- Eye movement and their coordination
- Speech
- Sensation
It’s possible, as seen in some instances, that these tests might not reveal Alzheimer’s disease, but if the symptoms continue to progress and get worse, it’s possible that the doctor might prescribe other tests as well.
Mental Cognitive Status Test
These tests evaluate the memory, thinking, and simple problem-solving skill abilities of a person. These tests can be time-consuming and intensive to ensure the readings taken can help develop a unique treatment plan. One of the main aims is to recognize whether the person is
- Aware of the symptoms
- Knows the date and time
- Remember a short list of words given and follow instructions to do simple calculations.
Depression screen and mood assessment tests
To get a full-fledged background of the patient, doctors might also schedule a depression screen test and a mood assessment test to ensure that the patient has no history of mood disorders that can overlap with dementia.
Brain imaging
Structural imaging of the brain using Magnetic Resonance Imaging or computed tomography. These tests are primarily used to rule out other conditions that may cause symptoms similar to that of Alzheimer’s but require different treatments. For example, in certain circumstances, the doctor might seek to determine if the individual has high levels of beta-amyloid, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s.
Cerebrospinal Fluid
CSF is a clear fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord, an average adult, would have about a pint of CSF. Physicians can sample through a minimally invasive procedure called a lumbar puncture or spinal tap. Alzheimer’s disease in the early stages causes changes in the CSF levels of a patient.
Routine Blood Tests
Researchers are investigating whether consistent and measurable changes in blood levels of specific markers may be reliably associated with Alzheimer-related changes. In these tests, markers such as beta-amyloid can be measured before and after the symptoms appear.
Stem Cell Therapy can help relieve some of the most severe cases. However, in Alzheimer’s, the possible betterment is still under dispute as research regarding the brain’s neurogenesis is a complex challenge. But its anti-inflammatory properties can undoubtedly help a patient in need.
