An update on the mechanism of neural stem cell transplantation in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract

At present, no effective strategy exists to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of AD and the development of new therapeutic approaches are essential. Stem cell transplantation for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases is currently a research hotspot. Numerous studies have suggested that neural stem cells (NSCs) can differentiate into functional neurons, replace dead neurons, and form synaptic connections with adjacent surviving neurons, thereby achieving a therapeutic effect. In theory, the use of NSCs to replace and restore damaged cholinergic neurons and synapses may provide a new therapeutic option for AD. This review summarizes the recent preclinical research progress of NSC transplantation for the treatment of AD.

Keywords

• alzheimer’s disease|cell transplantation|neural stem cells