REVOLUÇÃO TERAPÊUTICA: O POTENCIAL DAS CÉLULAS-TRONCO NO TRATAMENTO DA DOENÇA DE ALZHEIMER

Abstract

The objective of this article is to analyze the therapeutic potential of stem cells in the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Through a review of scientific evidence, the aim is to explore the mechanisms by which stem cells can contribute to neuronal regeneration and mitigate the progression of the disease. Furthermore, the ethical and regulatory challenges, as well as future perspectives of this innovative therapeutic approach, are discussed. The research was conducted using the databases Google Scholar, Scielo, and PubMed, with descriptors based on the DeCS (Health Sciences Descriptors) database: "Stem Cell Research," "Alzheimer’s Disease," "Biotechnology," and "Regenerative Medicine." Articles published between 2017 and 2024 in Portuguese or English, with full access and direct relevance to the proposed topic, were included. Theses, dissertations, paid or incomplete articles, and materials that did not meet the established period or relevance criteria were excluded. The study revealed promising advances in the use of stem cells in the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease, highlighting their ability to promote neuronal regeneration and tissue protection. Experimental studies have shown that mesenchymal and pluripotent stem cells can migrate to damaged areas, reducing the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles. However, the results are still preliminary, with limitations in terms of long-term efficacy and clinical safety. Additionally, ethical and regulatory challenges remain, requiring further investigation before broad clinical application. Therefore, the use of stem cells in the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease presents great therapeutic potential, especially in neuronal regeneration and mitigation of disease-related damage. Although initial results are promising, more in-depth studies are needed to validate its long-term efficacy and safety. Thus, ethical and regulatory challenges also need to be overcome before this approach can be widely implemented in clinical practice, requiring continuous evolution of research in the field.