It is characterised by being a neurological condition and the most common type of dementia. With the ageing of the population, the number of cases is expected to increase drastically in the coming decades. Despite advances in understanding the disease, there are currently no effective treatments to slow or reverse its course. However, one promising area of ​​research involves the use of umbilical cord stem cells, which have demonstrated encouraging results in preclinical studies and early clinical trials.

AD is characterised by a progressive deterioration of cognitive functions, including memory, language, reasoning, and decision-making. As the disease progresses, patients face increasing difficulties in carrying out daily activities and eventually lose their independence.

Around 7 million people develop dementia around the world each year, and it is estimated that globally, 46.8 million people have dementia and that this number will increase to 131.5 million people by 2050. Dementia affects 1 in 20 people over 65 and affects 1 in 5 people over 80. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 50-60% of dementia cases. Although the exact mechanisms that trigger this disease are not yet fully understood, multiple factors, including genetics, inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction, are believed to play an important role.

Currently, treatments available for AD are primarily symptomatic and aim to slow the progression of cognitive and behavioural symptoms. The most commonly prescribed medications are cholinesterase inhibitors (help increase levels of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter for memory and thinking) and memantine (regulate levels of glutamate, an important neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in learning and memory).

However, these treatments have limited effects and cannot stop or reverse the underlying disease process. Furthermore, they can cause undesirable effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and fatigue.

Umbilical cord stem cells exhibit unique properties, including the ability to differentiate into multiple cell types and produce bioactive factors that can modulate the cellular microenvironment.

Preclinical studies of Alzheimer’s disease have suggested several mechanisms by which these umbilical cord stem cells may exert beneficial effects such as reducing amyloid plaques (proteins toxic to neurons), protecting against neurotoxicity, stimulating neurogenesis, and modulating inflammation, since the anti-inflammatory properties of umbilical cord stem cells may help reduce chronic inflammation seen in AD.

These mechanisms suggest that cord blood stem cells can address multiple aspects of AD pathology, in contrast to current treatments that target only a specific target.

Motivated by the promising results of preclinical studies, several clinical trials are being conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of umbilical cord stem cells in the treatment of AD, all with very promising results.

Because AD is a complex condition with multiple factors involved, it may be beneficial to combine cord blood stem cell therapy with other therapeutic approaches such as medications, immunotherapy, or cognitive stimulation. These combinations can enhance the beneficial effects and address different aspects of the disease.

For more information please contact Grupo HPA Saude on (+351) 282 420 400.