The cells in the brain and spinal cord don’t replace themselves after they’ve been injured, such as from a neurodegenerative disease like Parkinson’s, or as a result of trauma or stroke. Researchers are working to find ways to improve the function of the brain and spinal cord after damage.
In this Mayo Clinic Talks podcast, internist Dr. Darryl Chutka talks to Dr. Nathan Staff, a Mayo Clinic neurologist, about research into regenerative medicine treatment for Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Staff also discusses the status of several clinical trials in this area and how the research is bringing hope to those with chronic neurodegenerative disease or nerve damage.