What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative brain condition that affects about 10 million Americans. It is caused by the breakdown of dopamine-producing neurons. Although the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease vary among individuals, patients often experience tremors, problems with balance and gait, and rigid limbs. Many sufferers of Parkinson’s disease also experience bradykinesia or the slowing of movements. Parkinson’s Disease can also affect mental function and result in dementia or memory loss.
What are the Current Treatments for Parkinson’s Disease?
Drug therapy is the primary way that doctors manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. While these medications can help control the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease, many patients experience the onset of side effects including diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, lightheadedness and low blood pressure, confusion, fatigue, involuntary movements, changes in behaviors, and difficulty urinating. Parkinson’s drugs also become less effective over time and require higher doses. As a result, not all individuals can tolerate these conventional treatments and others see an incomplete response.
What Can Stem Cell Therapy Do for Parkinson’s Disease?
Stem cells have been shown to improve the symptoms of patients with Parkinson’s Disease. Stem cells from fat may be able to differentiate into new, healthy, dopamine-creating neurons – the same cells that are damaged by the disease. Stem cell therapy may also reduce inflammation caused by the condition. See our blogs What are Stem Cells? and Understanding Adipose-Derived Stem Cells to learn more about how stem cells are obtained from fat. Many patients experience improvements in their condition and a reduction in Parkinson’s-related symptoms.
Results of Cell Surgical Network for First 201 Patients Receiving Stem Cells for Parkinson’s Disease
The improvement does appear to reduce after about 1 year, so repeated treatments appear to be warranted. Remember when looking at these results that most of these patients have been on standard Parkinson’s Disease medications for several years. Some patients note increased effectiveness of their Parkinson’s Disease medications after stem cell therapy.
What is the Cost of Stem Cell Treatments for Parkinson’s Disease?
The cost of the initial treatment ranges from $5,000 to $10,000. The range in cost is dependent on the complexity of delivering the cells back to you. For example, some Parkinson’s Disease patients desire stem cells directly into the fluid surrounding their brain and spinal cord referred to as the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). When this occurs, special imaging and an additional specialist are necessary. For many people the initial treatment is all that is needed; however, for some conditions, subsequent treatments may be required and these are done at a reduced fee.
Innovations Medical provides Stem Cell Therapy procedures at both our Dallas and Fort Worth practice locations. Learn more about the benefits of fat stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions by calling (214) 643-8665 for more information or to schedule a consultation.