Adult stem cell therapy treats Parkinson’s patient

One patient does not a cure make.  But this is very encouraging news for anyone with Parkinson's, (including Michael J. Fox, who will probably still insist that destroying embryos is the way to go to treat the degenerative neurological disorder.)  Out of India:

Stem cell therapy cures Parkinson’s patient

Jangveer Singh
Tribune News Service

Bangalore, April 4
Indian stem cell researchers at the Manipal hospital here today announced the first worldwide case of a recovery from Parkinson's disease by use of stem cells from the patient's own body.

The claim is significant because the patient, Andrew Kisana, a US citizen of Pakistani origin, had come to Manipal hospital for treatment for Parkinson's disease after receiving both conventional as well as surgical treatment for the disease in the US. “This is clearly the first such clearly documented case in which a patient has recovered from Parkinson’s disease after the use of stem cells”, hospital managing director R. Basil disclosed.

Andrew’s recovery is significant. His daughter Kusma told TNS that her father found it difficult to walk and was dragging his right leg when he was admitted to the Manipal hospital last year. Andrew had found it difficult to swallow and even breathe when he was admitted to the hospital.

Andrew walked unaided to meet mediapersons today. Though his speech has improved, it is still slightly blurred. So he put across his thoughts via his laptop. Andrew said since his treatment here his general muscle strength had improved as had his gait, handwriting and bowel movements. He can walk unaided, which was impossible earlier and his tremors have reduced significantly.

Andrew said earlier though his motor skills had improved after a deep brain stimulation surgery conducted on him in the USA, he started having side effects, including severe laryngeal spasms. He said the current treatment had ensured an end to these spasms also. Andrew has been off all drugs for Parkinson’s disease since the past six months.