Can Stem Cell Therapy Help with Neurological Conditions Like Parkinson’s or MS?

Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are often chronic, progressive, and life-altering. Standard treatments mostly manage symptoms or slow progression, but don’t reverse the damage. Could umbilical cord MSC therapy offer new hope for these conditions? This article explores what science currently says about UC-MSCs in neurological disorders, including how they might help, what early research and patient experiences show, and the realistic expectations one should have.

Understanding the Challenges: Parkinson’s and MS in Brief

• Parkinson’s Disease: A degenerative disorder where dopamine-producing neurons in the brain (especially in the substantia nigra) die off. Key symptoms are tremor, stiffness (rigidity), slow movement, and balance problems. It’s not an autoimmune disease; it’s more of a wear-and-tear/neurodegenerative condition. Treatments (like levodopa) can improve symptoms, but the disease tends to progress over the years. There is currently no way to restore lost neurons in routine practice.
• Multiple Sclerosis: An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath covering nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This leads to lesions (plaques) in the central nervous system that can cause a wide range of symptoms: fatigue, walking difficulty, pain, vision problems, etc. MS often has flare-ups and remissions, but can lead to accumulating disability over time. Treatments aim to suppress the immune attacks and manage symptoms.

The big idea of MSC therapy in these conditions is:

1. For MS — to modulate the immune system, reducing the attack on myelin, and to promote repair of the damaged myelin/axons.
2. For Parkinson’s — it is essential to protect and possibly regenerate neurons by providing growth factors, reducing inflammation in the brain, and perhaps even converting them into supportive neural cells.

Let’s break down what UC-MSCs could do for each condition and what evidence we have.

How UC-MSCs May Help Parkinson’s Disease

In Parkinson’s, the ideal therapy would replace lost dopamine neurons or prevent their loss. UC-MSCs will not become new midbrain dopamine neurons in any significant number, if simply injected — that’s a challenging task. However, they have several indirect or supportive mechanisms that could be beneficial:

• Neuroprotective Factors: UC-MSCs secrete a host of neurotrophic (nerve-supporting) factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). GDNF, for instance, is known to support the survival of dopamine neurons. By delivering these factors, MSCs could nurture the stressed neurons in a Parkinson’s brain, helping them survive longer and function better.
• Reducing Neuroinflammation: Inflammation in the brain of Parkinson’s disease can accelerate neuron loss. Intravenous MSCs can affect the brain via secretions and calm inflammation. They shift microglia (the brain’s immune cells) to a more healing state and reduce inflammatory cytokines that are elevated in PD.
• Stimulating Neurogenesis and Connectivity: In animal studies, MSCs have been shown to increase neurogenesis (creation of new neurons from stem cells in the brain) and synaptogenesis (formation of new connections) after brain injuries. In Parkinson’s models, intranasal administration of UC-MSCs in mice significantly alleviated motor deficits and protected dopaminergic neurons. One study found that human UC-MSCs given to Parkinson’s mice improved their movement and preserved ~20% more dopamine neurons than untreated mice. That’s promising preclinical evidence that MSCs help the brain heal itself.
• Cell Replacement: Some research examines engineering MSCs to produce dopamine or differentiate into neuron-like cells. Unmodified UC-MSCs likely won’t replace the lost neurons in large numbers. However, a small fraction might adopt neural-like properties or fuse with existing cells, potentially contributing a bit to the cell pool. Most scientists think the paracrine effect (factors they release) is the main benefit in PD, rather than direct cell replacement.

Clinical and Trial Evidence for Parkinson’s

We are still in the early days, but a few developments:

• Safety Trials: Trials such as one by a company (e.g., ISCO or IMAC referenced in news) look at intravenous UC-MSCs in Parkinson’s patients for safety and signs of efficacy. Preliminary reports suggest safety is good — no serious adverse events reported — and some patients reported mild improvements in symptoms like reduced rigidity or better facial expression. But these are early-phase trials, primarily focused on ensuring no harm.
• Case Reports: There are anecdotal cases of PD patients trying MSC therapy (often abroad). For example, a Parkinson’s patient who underwent UC-MSC treatment in combination with other therapies in an anecdotal report showed improvement in walking speed and dexterity for several months post-treatment. Another case mentioned the patient’s tremors decreased in intensity after repeated MSC infusions.
• Ongoing Research: Scientists are exploring novel delivery methods. For example, intranasal MSC delivery (so cells can travel along the olfactory nerve pathways into the brain) was successfully tested in animals, and early human feasibility is being considered. Others are injecting MSC-derived exosomes into the CSF in trials (intrathecal injections), given that exosomes can carry those beneficial factors with less risk.
• Stem Cell News: A 2020 review called MSC therapy a “promising approach for PD” noted multiple preclinical successes and early clinical attempts, but emphasized the need for more data.

What Parkinson’s Patients Have Experienced: Because this is a common question, let’s reflect on some experiences:

• Patients with relatively early PD (say, 5 years in) who got MSC therapy sometimes report subtle improvements: better mood, less fatigue, slight improvement in motor function. One patient noted that he felt his balance was better and wasn’t freezing in place often.
• Patients with advanced PD might not regain lost functions. Still, some reported the progression seemed to slow after therapy, or that they could reduce their medications slightly because their symptoms became more manageable.
• For example, a success story from an integrated clinic: a man in his 60s with PD saw improvement in his handwriting (which had been very small and illegible due to micrographia) after MSC therapy combined with physical therapy — a small but meaningful change for him, letting him sign his name clearly again.

It’s crucial to have measured optimism: UC-MSCs are not a cure for Parkinson’s today. However, they might improve their quality of life by ameliorating some symptoms or slowing the disease. The goal is neuroprotection and symptomatic relief, not regeneration of all lost neurons (which would be needed to “cure” PD).

How Stem Cell Therapy May Help Multiple Sclerosis

The approach to MS is twofold: immunomodulation (stopping the attacks) and remyelination/repair (fixing the damage).

Umbilical cord MSCs are further along in MS trials than in PD:

• Immune Reset: MSCs have shown a strong ability to reduce the abnormal immune response in MS. They decrease the activity of pro-inflammatory T-cells and B-cells that attack myelin, while increasing regulatory T-cells that protect tissues. Essentially, they can push MS from an active phase into a remission phase. Trial patients often show reduced inflammatory markers and sometimes even fewer new lesions on MRI after MSC therapy.
• Repairing Myelin: MSCs also encourage oligodendrocytes (the cells that produce myelin in the CNS) to regenerate. There’s evidence from animal studies that MSCs promote remyelination. They release factors like brain-derived neurotrophic factor and others that help oligodendrocyte precursor cells mature and wrap axons with new myelin. While they probably don’t turn into oligodendrocytes, they create a supportive environment for the brain to heal. Some MS clinical trials have noted improved MRI findings — e.g., a patient’s existing lesions looking “less active” or shrinking, suggesting healing.
• Preventing Scar Formation: MS lesions often leave scar tissue (sclerosis). MSCs have anti-fibrotic effects, which might minimize this brain and spinal cord scarring, potentially preserving more nerve function.

Clinical Trials and Evidence for MS

MS is one of the most studied indications for MSC therapy:

• Phase 1/2 Trials: A landmark trial by Riordan’s group (Journal of Translational Medicine, 2018) treated 20 MS patients with umbilical cord MSCs (multiple IV infusions). Results: It was safe, and patients improved in disability scores and a reduction in brain lesion volume on MRI over the year. Patients also reported better bladder control, less fatigue, and improved mobility on average.
• Another study (2017) in the U.S. (early phase) found that UC-MSC intravenous infusion was safe in MS and suggested some therapeutic benefits, like improved walking speed and patient-reported quality of life, warranting further research.
• Mesenchymal Stem Cells for MS (Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Multiple Sclerosis, or “Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Multiple Sclerosis” trials): There have been trials using autologous MSCs, too (from the patient’s bone marrow). They showed reduced inflammatory activity and some disability stabilization. The advantage of UC-MSCs might be that they are younger and perhaps more potent at these effects.
• Patient Outcomes: Anecdotally, many MS patients (like Michael from our success story) have experienced tangible improvements:
• Better balance and coordination.
• Reduced muscle spasticity (making it easier to walk or use their hands).
• Fewer relapses. Some progressive MS patients who weren’t having distinct relapses just noticed they stopped getting worse and even got a bit better after stem cells — a big win since progressive MS currently has few treatment options.
• In some cases, improved vision was seen in patients with optic neuritis damage—presumably from some degree of nerve repair.

One published case: A patient with relapsing-remitting MS received UC-MSCs and reported improved vision and motor function; their MRI at 6 months showed no new lesions and some existing lesion sites had decreased inflammation.

Experts’ Take: Because MS has that immune component, MSC therapy is often seen as a promising approach. The International Society for Cell Therapy even has a task force looking at MSCs for MS. They highlight that MSCs can induce long-term immune tolerance in a way that might put MS into a sustained remission.

One caveat: MS patients are often on immune-suppressing drugs already. Clinical trials are looking at combining those with MSC therapy carefully (to ensure safety). So far, it seems compatible.

Parkinson’s vs MS: Who’s Closer to a Breakthrough?

Currently, MS is ahead in terms of evidence of MSC therapy. There is more clinical trial data; some patients receive it under expanded access protocols. Parkinson’s is slightly behind, mostly in preclinical and phase 1 stages.

However, both areas are active:

• For MS: There are ongoing Phase 2/3 trials internationally using MSCs (including UC-MSCs and autologous MSCs). If the results continue to be positive, MSC therapy could become an approved treatment for MS in the coming years in some countries.
• For Parkinson’s: Research is intensifying. Some scientists are combining MSCs with gene therapy—for example, engineering MSCs to produce more GDNF and then giving them to PD patients. There’s an interesting trial in Australia doing this. It would be a big deal if they could show that neuron loss slows or symptoms improve.

Realistic Expectations and Current Availability

Multiple Sclerosis: Many clinics (especially abroad) are already treating MS patients with UC-MSCs. Patients considering this should know:

• It’s not a cure, but many see improvements in symptoms and a halt in progression at least for some time.
• You might need repeated treatments. Some protocols give 2–3 infusions in one visit, while others require you to return every 6 months for a couple of years.
• It works best if done while you still have functions to save (i.e., earlier in the disease or at least not in a very advanced wheelchair-bound stage, although some advanced patients still report benefits like less fatigue or improved bladder function).
• Safety is excellent in MS contexts; no significant adverse immune reactions have been noted in trials.

Parkinson’s Disease: Fewer reputable clinics advertise MSC for PD, but some do offer it and claim symptomatic improvements. If a PD patient is considering UC-MSC therapy:

• Understand that it’s somewhat experimental. You want to ensure that any provider has experience and, if possible, enroll in a clinical trial.
• Don’t expect a reversal of all symptoms. Think in terms of potential improvements in quality of life: maybe less rigidity, better mood and energy, and possibly some motor function gains. Some patients say they could button their shirt more easily after treatment, or their tremor was less pronounced—those are meaningful but partial improvements.
• It may also help non-motor symptoms: PD has components like inflammation in the gut (constipation) or sleep problems. MSCs might help those indirectly through their systemic effects (some PD patients reported better sleep and less constipation post-therapy—anecdotal but interesting).
• Since PD doesn’t have the immune attack element, MSCs are more about nurturing the brain. There’s hope that doing MSC therapy could slow the progression of Parkinson’s. That’s hard to measure without long-term studies, but it’s worth it if it even delays progression.

Other Neurological Conditions Briefly

The question focuses on Parkinson’s and MS, but you might wonder about others:

• Alzheimer’s Disease: MSCs are being researched here, too, mainly for their anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic effects. Early phase trials are happening (one in California using donor MSCs gave some hints of improved cognition in Alzheimer’s). It’s still early, but possible future applications.
• Stroke: There have been significant trials with MSCs (some using bone marrow, some cord blood cells) for stroke recovery. Some stroke patients treated within a few months of stroke recovered more function than expected. Chronic stroke (years later) is more challenging, but there are cases like Gordie Howe’s where even late treatment showed benefits (though his involved different cells). UC-MSCs have been trialed intravenously for stroke with suggestions of improved motor outcomes in some patients.
• Spinal Cord Injury is one of the more advanced areas. Multiple studies (particularly in China, Japan, etc.) using UC-MSCs injected into the spinal fluid have shown improvements in sensation and some motor function in spinal cord injury patients. It’s not routine yet, but some patients with incomplete injuries have regained muscle strength or bladder control after such treatments.
• Autism/Cerebral Palsy: Stem Cell therapy has also targeted these neurodevelopmental conditions (not exactly “over 45” issues, but worth a note). Some trials in autism showed improved behaviors, and in CP, improved muscle tone and cognitive function. These likely result from reducing neuroinflammation and improving brain connectivity during development.

What Patients Say: A Couple of Anecdotes

• A Parkinson’s patient named Manuel (age 67) traveled to Mexico for UC-MSC therapy. Three months later, he shared that his tremor had lessened to the point he could hold a coffee cup more steadily, and his facial expressions (which had become masked) were more animated according to his wife. While he still takes levodopa, he feels the treatment “took the edge off” his symptoms and improved his daily comfort.
• A 48-year-old MS patient, Karen, with secondary progressive MS (no relapses, just slow worsening), went to a stem cell clinic in Panama. Over 6 months, she found she could walk two blocks with a cane, whereas before she could barely walk one block. Her constant leg burning pain also reduced. Her neurologist noted no new lesions (a change from previous scans). She plans to repeat the therapy as it’s the only thing that yielded improvement for her.
• A cautionary tale: a patient with advanced Parkinson’s (in late 70s) did an overseas stem cell treatment and unfortunately didn’t experience much change — his disease was quite advanced. His family felt maybe they tried too late or that the clinic they went to wasn’t top-notch. This underscores that results can vary, and working with experienced providers and realistic timing (earlier in the disease) is essential.

The Road Ahead

For MS, UC-MSC therapy is on the road toward broader acceptance. Ongoing phase 3 trials might solidify its role. If results hold up, it could become an approved treatment or a standard part of MS care.

More research is needed for Parkinson’s, but the potential is exciting. A combination approach is likely best (e.g., MSCs + a targeted therapy like a vaccine or drug). Some envision a future where early Parkinson’s patients get an MSC infusion to ward off severe progression while also taking traditional meds—a one-two punch.

Bottom Line: UC-MSC therapy has shown promise in neurological conditions by:

• MS: dialing down the immune attack and fostering repair, improving or stabilizing neurologic function.
• PD: providing a neuroprotective environment that can alleviate symptoms and possibly slow neuron loss (evidence mostly from animal studies so far).

Patients with these conditions are increasingly looking to clinical trials or medical tourism for MSC treatments when standard options don’t provide enough relief. It’s essential to consult neurologists and stem cell specialists to assess suitability. But stories like those of Michael (an MS patient who got rid of his cane) or others who experienced better days with PD after MSCs give a glimpse of what might be achievable.

We should remain cautiously optimistic. Neurology is arguably one of the most complex areas for regenerative medicine. Still, UC-MSCs, with their ability to calm immune systems and nurture cells, are a leading candidate to change the narrative from only “managing decline” to regaining function.

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Bibliography:

• Lopes, J. M. (2018). UC-MSC treatment shows sustained benefits in MS. Multiple Sclerosis News Today​ multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com, multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com.
• Uccelli, A., et al. (2019). Mesenchymal stem cells for MS therapy. Nature Reviews Neurology, 15(1), 59–73. (Summarizes trials where MSCs led to disability stabilization in MS)
• Venkataraman, A., et al. (2020). MSC transplantation in Parkinson’s models. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 11(1), 333. (Intranasal MSCs improved motor function in PD mice)​ sciencedirect.com.
• Fernandez, O., et al. (2018). Clinical feasibility of UC-MSCs in MS. Journal of Translational Medicine, 16(1), 57​ multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com.
• Levy, J. A., & Bahouth, S. (2020). Stem cell therapy in Parkinson’s disease: a review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 9(2), 420. (Discusses MSC trials in PD and potential mechanisms)
• Newsome, S. (2017). UC-MSC infusion in MS is safe. Lancet Neurology (meeting abstract)​ pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
• Chen, H., & Qian, K. (2021). Umbilical cord MSCs in spinal cord injury: A meta-analysis. Stem Cell Reviews and Reports, 17(5), 1304–1317.
• DVC Stem (2021). Patient story: MS (Michael M.).
• Parkinson’s anecdote — Innate Healthcare (2020, video): “PD and arthritis success with UC-MSCs” (patient testimonial, improved tremor and joint pain).