Muscle weakness brought on by motor neurone disease (MND) worsens over the course of months or years. Although there isn’t a cure at this time, medication can help control the symptoms, which typically reduce life. Our muscles move during this process. MND are group of progressive neurological disorder that destroy motor neurons, the cell that control skeletal muscles.
Understanding Motor Neuron Disease
MND has an unknown cause which is why it is incurable and rare disease. MND can cause muscle weakness and paralysis which impacts both the lower and upper motor neurons. Usually the life expectancy of a person who is diagnosed with this disease has a lifespan of 3 to 5 years.
The Promise of Stem Cell Therapy
The advatange enjoyed by Stem cell therapy is that, it has a self healing property in which repair mechanism is done by the body’s tissue. In MND, stem cells are investigated for their ability to:
- Replace defective motor neurons
- Rescue surviving neurons from harm
- Decrease inflammation in the nervous system
- Enhance nerve-muscle communication
Types of Stem Cells Used
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs): They are obtained from bone marrow or fat tissue and possess neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Neural Stem Cells (NSCs): These are progenitor cells that are capable of differentiating into neurons and glial cells. They have potential to directly replace dying motor neurons.
- Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs): Patient-specific cells that are reprogrammed from adult cells to an embryonic-like state, reducing the chances of rejection.
Treatment for MND in India through Stem Cell
India has many advanced research institutes and hospitals which helps in aiding MND through stem cell therapy. Not only this India has emerged as an increasing destination for regenerative medicine. Some prominent institutions offering experimental stem cell treatment are:
- Nutech Mediworld (New Delhi)
- NeuroGen Brain and Spine Institute (Mumbai)
- LifeCell International and Advancells
Such clinics use various cell injections which are internationally accepted protocols with rehabilitation treatments like occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physiotherapy to achieve best outcomes.
Clinical Outcomes and Progress
Many patients in India are seeing improvements in muscle strength, lung function, mobility, and general quality of life. Although some cases shows that stem cell therapy for MND remains still experimental and incurable.
Ethical Considerations and Regulation
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) regulates the working of stem cell therapy, in India. Patients should be aware that they should only visit certified medical doctors and undergo treatment only from registered and ethical centers to eliminate untested and unsafe procedures.
Conclusion
Although it is not yet a cure, stem cell therapy is a promising strategy in the fight against motor neuron disease. For MND sufferers hoping for a better quality of life and possibly a longer lifespan, stem cell treatment may soon provide real hope as India continues to grow as a center for affordable and cutting-edge medical care.