Different Diseases That Can be Treated Using Stem Cells
Dealing with a chronic disease can be difficult, not only for the patient but also for their loved ones. There are many different chronic diseases that people suffer from – some more common than others. Thankfully, stem cell research is providing new hope for patients with chronic diseases.
What Are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are unspecialized cells that have the ability to develop into specialized cells. This means that they can turn into any type of cell in the body, including heart, muscle, and nerve cells.
Because of this ability, stem cells have the potential to be used to treat a wide variety of diseases and conditions. In some cases, stem cells can be used to replace damaged or diseased cells. In other cases, they can be used to stimulate the repair of damaged tissue.
There are two main types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are derived from embryos, while adult stem cells are derived from adults.
How Are Stem Cells Used to Treat Disease?
Stem cells are currently being used to treat a wide range of diseases and conditions, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Cancer
Stem cells are being used to treat cancer in a few different ways. One way is by using stem cells to replace damaged cells. This is especially effective in treating blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma.
Another way that stem cells are being used to treat cancer is by using them to stimulating the immune system. This is done by injecting stem cells into the patient, which then helps the immune system to better recognize and attack cancer cells.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Every year, about 610,000 Americans die from heart disease. Stem cells may offer a new way to treat heart disease.
Research has shown that stem cells can help repair damaged heart tissue and improve heart function. In one study, stem cells were injected into the hearts of rats with heart damage. The stem cells helped to repair the damaged heart tissue and improve heart function.
In one small study, stem cells were injected into the hearts of patients with advanced heart failure. The stem cells helped to improve heart function in some of the patients.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or is unable to properly use the insulin it does produce. Insulin is a hormone that helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes, which used to be known as juvenile diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the body does not produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes, which used to be known as adult-onset diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin or is unable to properly use the insulin it does produce.
Stem cells are being studied as a potential treatment for diabetes.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic, progressive disease that causes dementia, which is a general loss of cognitive abilities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, stem cells are being studied as a potential treatment.
Researchers are also studying how to use stem cells to treat Alzheimer’s disease in humans. In one small study, stem cells were injected into the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The stem cells helped to improve cognitive function in some of the patients.
How to Store Stem Cells?
Stem cells can be stored for future use. This is done by collecting and storing the stem cells from a person’s body. The most common way to collect and store in stem cells banks is through cord blood banking. Stem cell banks are a type of biobank. A cord blood bank is a facility that stores umbilical cord blood for future use. There are many affordable cord blood banks for $19.99/month that are available.
Stem cells offer a potential new way to treat many diseases and conditions. They can turn into any type of cell in the body, making them a powerful tool for treatment. Stem cells can be stored for future use, making them an important resource for medical treatments.