ALS
ALS Therapy in Turkey with Stem Cells
The progression of ALS disease can be slowed down and reverted, and even stopped entirely by utilising stem cell therapy. The efficacy of stem cell therapy is inversely related to the individual's age, disease length, and general well-being. The patient's quality of life improves dramatically because of the muscle recovery.
â—Ź When stem cells come into contact with nerve and muscle cells, they have the ability to transform into these cells. Because of this, stem cells are used in the therapy of ALS.
â—Ź The therapy program is precisely changed based on the patient's state, and each patient receives a unique system.
â—Ź The use of stem cells to treat ALS disease is acknowledged as an innovative approach that scientists have been working on since the 1990s.
â—Ź After that, stem cell transplantation, 67% of ALS patients demonstrated decreased weakness, increased appetite, improved psychological state, and lower spasticity intensity.
What is ALS?
ALS, also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Motor Neuron Disease, is a medical term that describes myolysis and spinal cord injury. It is caused by the death of motor nerve cells (neurons) in the spinal cord and the central nervous system's brain stem. Muscle weakening and waste (atrophy) result from the elimination of these cells.
Jean-Martin Charcot, a French neurologist and pioneer in his area, first spoke about ALS in 1869. As a result, the condition was once known as Charcot condition.
What are the symptoms of ALS?
The earliest symptoms of ALS differ from patient to patient. The first signs observed is usually weakness or shrinking in an arm or leg. Holding a phone, buttoning up shirts, and lifting a bag, for example, become hard, and the patient falls when walking. Some people experience difficulties chewing or speaking as the condition progresses. Lisping or nasal speech may be observed by those experiencing it or their family members.
Muscle twitching, discomfort, and cramps can occur alongside these symptoms. Uncontrollable sobbing and giggling are possible symptoms.
Weakness grows from the location of initial weakness to the other limbs (arms, legs, tongue, and pharyngeal muscles) over time. The patient's daily activities may be limited due to muscular atrophy, weakness, and jerks throughout the body. They may become unable to function on their own. They cannot eat, dress, or do mundane things. They might find themselves not being able to get out of bed.
The respiratory muscles grow inadequate throughout the critical time of the disease. Once respiratory and nutritional shortages emerge, the patient needs immediate and intensive medical attention. 10% of patients are in danger of ALS and dementia (disease-related mental impairment).
Causes of ALS
The specific cause of ALS is obscure. However, hereditary factors, environmental pollutants, smoking, and different cell-damaging substances are thought to enhance the chance of ALS. Regional variables, like with many diseases, are among the triggers of ALS.
Therapy of ALS
Because there is no conventional therapy strategy, case-based supportive medication therapy, and brief periods of intensive care are used. Furthermore, symptomatic therapys are critical in enhancing quality of life. Another component is proper and balanced nutrition, which includes eating frequent but light meals, drinking liquids, and keeping a healthy weight.
Therapy of ALS with Stem Cells
After stem cells come into contact with dying nerve cells, they can transform into neurons or nerve cells, which is why they are utilized in treating ALS. At the same time, stem cells have the power to develop into muscle cells when they come into interaction with them. As a result, they provide therapy for deteriorating muscles. The cells provided are microscopic to pass through nerve and muscle tissues. As a direct consequence of early diagnosis, the recovery rate increases dramatically.
First, the patient's age and weight determine the number of cells delivered, and therapy is performed using mesenchymal stem cells (taken from the patient's own adipose tissue or bone marrow) or fetal stem cells. The therapy consists of three 45-day sessions or three days in a row.
When stem cell therapy was given to ALS patients who had not responded sufficiently to medication therapys, 67% reported reduced weakness, a greater appetite, better psychological condition, and lower spasticity intensity. In roughly two months after the transplantation of stem cells, 34% of patients expressed higher mobility and muscle strength in their hands and feet, restored reflexes, lessened fiber zones, and improved ease of daily tasks (improvement in swallowing, speech, and pronunciation).
To maintain positive results, 48% of patients are encouraged to repeat the procedure annually. In 25% of cases, regular stem cell transplantation was necessary for two years.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is most likely to have ALS?
ALS disease can affect people from every aspect of life and in many corners of the world. It is slightly more common in men. The typical onset age is 55. It can, however, be seen at both a very young and an extremely old age. ALS affects 2-6 percent of the world's population.
Is ALS a Genetic (Hereditary) disease?
90% of all ALS patients have accidental ALS, with the other 10% having familial ALS. As a result, the condition is primarily separate from genetics. Many mutations considered to be associated with ALS disease were recently identified. ALS is not a transmittable illness. This disease is not transmitted to a patient's relatives or those involved in their therapy.
Why ALS causes loss of power?
For us to perform an action, our muscles associated with that movement must be able to contract voluntarily. Two kinds of nerves, known as motor nerves, allow muscles to contract as needed. When we wish to move, the first group of motor nerves delivers signals from the relevant area of our brain to the spinal cord. Other motor nerves that are nearby are activated. This second group of nerves exits the spinal cord and travels to the relevant muscle to contract it. When the motor nerves are injured, voluntary muscular contraction is impeded, and the patient loses some or all of his or her power.
Are there muscles not affected by the disease?
The disease does not affect all the muscles of the body. The patient can control intestines and urine. Sexual functions are not affected. The heart muscle is not damaged. The eye muscles are often the last affected muscles, and sometimes they are not affected at all.
Are there muscles not affected by the disease?
The condition does not impact all of the body's muscles. The patient has control over his intestines and urine. Sexual function is unaffected. The heart muscle is unharmed. The eye muscles are frequently the last to be damaged, and eye muscles are not always affected.
How is ALS diagnosed?
Clinical signs and symptoms are mostly used to reach a diagnosis. In its early stages, ALS, a motor neuron disease, might be mistaken with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) or Parkinson's disease. As a result, the diagnosis can only be made after the patient has several basic tests performed by a neurologist or medicine expert.
