Stem cells therapy for dementia: How it works and what to expect?

Dementia is a syndrome characterized by deterioration in memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform daily tasks. It develops due to damage or loss of neurons in the brain and can have various causes, including neurodegenerative diseases, vascular problems, infections, and other factors.

Main causes of dementia
Neurodegenerative diseases:
Alzheimer’s disease: This is the most common cause of dementia. The disease causes amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles to accumulate in the brain, which destroy neurons and disrupt their communication.
Lewy disease: In this type of dementia, specific proteins (Lewy bodies) accumulate in brain cells, which leads to impairment of cognitive function and motor skills.
Parkinson’s disease: Some patients with Parkinson’s disease may develop dementia in later stages due to loss of neurons and protein buildup in the brain.

• Vascular disorders:
  Vascular dementia occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. This can result from strokes, chronic hypertension, or other vascular problems that cause damage or death of neurons due to lack of oxygen and nutrients.
• Infections and inflammatory diseases:
  Infections such as HIV, syphilis, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease can affect the brain and cause cognitive impairment. In some cases, inflammatory processes caused by autoimmune diseases can also lead to dementia.
• Head injuries:
  Traumatic brain injuries, especially repeated ones, can increase the risk of developing dementia.For example, professional athletes who frequently take blows to the head are at higher risk of developing cognitive impairment in the future.
• Vitamin deficiencies and endocrine disorders:
  Vitamin deficiencies, especially B vitamins (such as B12), can impair brain function. Endocrine disorders, such as thyroid disease, can also contribute to cognitive impairment.
• Metabolic disorders and chronic diseases:
  Diseases that affect metabolism, such as diabetes and chronic kidney or liver disease, can also contribute to cognitive impairment due to changes in blood chemistry and possible damage to blood vessels in the brain.
• Genetic factors:
  Some forms of dementia have a genetic predisposition. For example, having certain genes, such as APOE-ε4, increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Is it possible to slow down the progression of dementia
Yes, there are methods and approaches that can help slow the progression of dementia, especially if treatment is started in the early stages. Although a complete cure is not yet possible, combining stem cell therapy with lifestyle changes and brain neurostimulation can significantly impact quality of life and the rate of disease progression.

1. 
   Ways to slow dementia
   Stem cell therapy
   Therapy most often uses neural cells, or precursor cells of nerve endings, which help improve cognitive function by slowing the breakdown of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter that supports memory and thinking.Stem cells help regulate the activity of glutamate, which, when in excess, can contribute to the death of neurons.
2. Control of vascular factors:
   Since vascular problems often worsen dementia, controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar is especially important. Medications, physical activity, and diet can reduce the risk of vascular complications, which in turn can slow dementia.
3. Cognitive training:
   Engaging in mental activities (such as solving puzzles, learning new skills, learning languages) helps maintain and stimulate cognitive function. Such activity creates new neural connections, which helps the brain adapt to the loss of neurons.
4. Physical activity:
   Regular exercise stimulates blood flow to the brain, improves mood, and slows cognitive decline. Research shows that aerobic exercise (walking, running, swimming) and strength training can reduce the risk of dementia progression.
5. Healthy Eating:
   Diets rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins (such as the Mediterranean and DASH diets) can support brain health. Foods high in vitamins B, D, E, and omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to improved cognitive function.
6. Social Activity:
   Maintaining social connections and regularly interacting with people can help boost cognitive function and improve mood. Social isolation, on the other hand, can contribute to faster deterioration.
7. Quality Sleep:
   Getting enough and uninterrupted sleep can help remove toxins from the brain, such as amyloid plaques, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. A low-stress sleep routine that incorporates relaxation techniques can improve cognitive function.
8. Stress Management:
   High stress levels cause inflammation and accelerate neurodegeneration. Practices such as meditation, yoga, and breathing techniques can help reduce stress and thus slow the progression of dementia.

Stem cell treatment for dementia:
Stem cell treatment for dementia is one promising approach that is being actively researched, especially to slow the progression of diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy disease, and vascular dementia. Stem cells have a unique ability to regenerate damaged tissue and suppress inflammation, which is especially important in cases of dementia, where neuronal loss and inflammation play a key role.

How can stem cells help treat dementia?
Restoration of damaged neurons:
Stem cells have the ability to transform into cells similar to neurons and supportive tissue cells (glial cells), which could theoretically replace lost brain cells. Although direct transformation into mature neurons is difficult, stem cells can have a positive effect by releasing factors that stimulate the regeneration of damaged tissue and improve the overall conditions for the preservation of existing neurons.
Reduction of inflammation:
Dementia is often associated with chronic inflammation, which accelerates the death of neurons. Stem cells, especially mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), release anti-inflammatory factors that help reduce inflammation in the brain, which in turn slows the rate of tissue destruction.
Support for cellular metabolism and neuroprotection:
Stem cells release neurotrophic factors, proteins that support the survival and health of neurons and improve blood flow and oxygen supply to tissues. These factors can slow down degenerative processes and prevent further damage to the brain.
Improving the transmission of signals between neurons:
Stem cells can strengthen neural connections and synaptic transmission, thereby restoring overall brain function and cognitive processes.

Types of stem cells used to treat dementia
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs):
These cells are most often obtained from bone marrow, adipose tissue, or umbilical cord blood.They are particularly useful due to their ability to secrete anti-inflammatory molecules and growth factors that support surrounding cells and reduce inflammation.
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC):
Obtained by reprogramming mature cells, these stem cells can turn into brain cells. In the future, they may be an ideal source for replacing damaged neurons and regenerating brain tissue.
Neural stem cells:
These cells are already in a state close to neurons and have the ability to differentiate into neurons and other brain cells. Their use in therapy can help restore damaged neural networks and restore cognitive function.

Advantages and prospects of stem cell therapy
Minimally invasive:
Stem cells are administered through injections, and if the injection site is chosen correctly, they can reach damaged areas of the brain, minimizing the need for surgery.
Multifunctionality and complex effect:
Stem cells act on several causal factors of dementia at once – inflammation, regeneration and cell metabolism. This makes the therapy promising and complex.

Research and Current Evidence:
Clinical studies show that stem cells can improve cognitive function, slow memory loss, and improve the overall quality of life of patients.

Why memory is restored in dementia after stem cell therapy:
Memory restoration in dementia after stem cell therapy is associated with a complex effect on the brain. Stem cells, such as mesenchymal or neural stem cells, have the potential to improve memory through several key mechanisms:
Stimulation of neurogenesis: Stem cells can promote the growth of new neurons and the creation of synapses (connections between neurons) in the hippocampus, the area of ​​the brain responsible for memory formation. This process helps improve cognitive function and restore some aspects of memory.
Anti-inflammatory effect: In dementia, inflammation in the brain is one of the factors that causes the destruction of neurons. Stem cells secrete anti-inflammatory molecules, which reduces inflammation and, as a result, protects neurons, maintaining their normal function. This helps improve neural connections and therefore cognitive functions, including memory.
Support for blood circulation and energy metabolism: Research shows that stem cells help improve blood flow to the brain, which is important for maintaining memory and cognitive functions. They can also secrete factors that support mitochondria (the cell’s energy structures), which improves neuronal metabolism, making them more resistant to damage.
Secretion of neurotrophic factors: Stem cells can secrete growth factors such as BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which support neurons, promote their survival and strengthen the connections between them. This helps restore processes associated with memory.

Home-Based Individualized Cell Therapy Program

Many  patients face significant mobility limitations and are unable to travel. For this reason, a fully personalized home-delivery cellular therapy program is available.

This service includes:

• Individualized cellular formulation
• Secure medical delivery to the patient’s home
• On-site medical supervision or coordinated local care
• Continuous remote monitoring for 12 months
• Ongoing coordination with neurologists and rehabilitation specialists

This approach ensures accessibility, safety, and continuity of care for patients with advanced physical limitations.

In our clinic, we have a unique opportunity to use neural cells of different origins in the treatment, as well as progenitor cells (predecessor cells), which are also cultivated by the only international cell laboratory Biobanking (Austria) for our patients.