Treatment Options For Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Stem Cell Treatment

Although it is still considered experimental and unproven, stem cell therapy is a promising treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Stem cells are primitive undifferentiated cells found in the bone marrow, fatty tissues, and blood of adult humans. When placed in the proper environment, they can differentiate into a variety of new cells that can replace the function of damaged or dying cells. The hope is isolation, concentration, and re-injection of stem cells into the spinal cord will lead to the development of new motor neurons that can take over the function of the dying motor neurons in ALS patients. Some early clinical trials have shown promising results, with stem cell treatments being shown to be safe and to possibly decrease the rate of progression of the disease.