September has been declared as World Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. In 2020, for the ninth time in the world, an information campaign will be held to raise public awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, support research aimed at finding treatments and improving medical care for patients. September 21 is World Alzheimer’s Day.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, the most common form of dementia (impaired mental function). Mostly occurs in people over 65 years. The disease was first described in 1906 by the German neurologist Alois Alzheimer. Today, Alzheimer’s disease is incurable. The causes of the disease have not been established. In total, more than 25 million people worldwide suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.
Scientists are actively working to develop methods for treating Alzheimer’s disease, among which cell therapy is being studied. Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the loss of neurons, so the use of mesenchymal stem cells, which are able to give rise to different cell populations, including neurons, seems a promising approach. In particular, it is known about the possibility of obtaining neurons from umbilical cord blood stem cells.
As a method of preventing Alzheimer’s disease, scientists recommend maintaining intellectual activity in old age, learning, solving logical problems, a healthy lifestyle.
In Ukraine, the Institute of Cell Therapy has developed programs for revitalization and anti-age therapy based on the use of stem cells and placental extract. The anti-age program of the Institute of Cell Therapy is aimed at slowing down the aging process, restoring vitality, maintaining physical and mental activity in old age.
