Stem Cells Offer Hope to the Elderly
While the average life expectancy has increased over the last century, that doesn’t necessarily mean one will be in good health in their later years. In fact, many of our elderly are suffering from degenerative conditions involving joint pain, organ problems, and other health issues. While living longer sounds nice, it’s also important that those extra years are filled with joy and comfort – not pain and desperation.
Japan is one country with a notably large population of the elderly. Currently, nearly 30% of the Japan’s population is considered elderly, with researchers projecting that number increasing to 40% by the year 2060. While the Japanese are well-known for their superior health, their naturally long lifespan is not without health conditions. Millions of elderly Japanese suffer from arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and other diseases associated with the aging process.
The Effects of Aging
As a person naturally ages, their stem cells begin to lose some of their regenerative capabilities. This is why some cuts, bruises, and other types of injuries take longer to heal in the elderly when compared to younger individuals. And in some cases, injuries that would be considered minor to a younger individual could be fatal for an older person.
Aging patients are also not good candidates for surgery. Older individuals are not able to handle the stress or blood loss involved in a major surgery or operation. This makes corrective surgery even more dangerous for elderly patients suffering from a health condition.
Regenerative Medicine May Be the Solution
Regenerative medicine is a new branch of healthcare that seeks to completely heal tissue and damaged organs through natural means. Currently, modern medicine focuses on the treatment of symptoms and not the prevention or curing of disease. It’s a system that has left many patients relying on a cocktail of drugs for a condition that could be resolved naturally through dietary and lifestyle changes.
Indeed, the human body has an incredible potential to heal and recover on its own. It can mend broken bone, close open wounds, regenerate tissue, and so much more. However, a lack of nutrition, environmental factors, genetic issues, and aging have all impacted our body’s ability to recover.
In some cases, the diseases that elderly face are a result of poor lifestyle and dietary choices. For example, 90% of Type 2 Diabetes cases are happening due to poor diet and a lack of physical activity. Another example is Arthritis, a condition that can be caused by a vitamin deficiency.
While the human body is incredibly resilient, a lifetime of poor choices and exposure to toxins often results in many of the degenerative conditions we now see in our elderly.
It is in these situations where Regenerative Medicine shines.
Regenerative Medicine relies on therapies like PRP treatment and stem cell therapy to restore joint and organ function and return the body to it’s once prior harmonious state. Many of these treatments are also combined with dietary and lifestyle protocols that are backed by science. Stem cells are just one of the many Regenerative Medicine treatments that may change the way we treat the aging process forever.
Stem Cells for Aging
Because the aging process negatively affects the function of your body’s stem cells, it makes it harder for these cells to replicate and repair joints, tissue, and organs. Currently, scientists are investigating a potential solution: stem cell therapy. In this type of therapy, patients are treated with natural stem cells. These cells are injected directly into the dysfunctional joint, tissue, or organ. For example, if a patient had arthritis in their knee, the stem cell doctor would inject these cells into the knee joint.
While research into stem cells is still in the preliminary stages, there is strong evidence that they may help improve mobility, restore organ function, and much more.
In general, patients can expect continued improvement after a single treatment. In some cases, additional treatments may be required if the issue is severe. It’s also important to remember that stem cells engage your body’s natural healing process. Just like when you have a broken bone or cut, it takes time to heal. Stem cells typically begin working within a few weeks, with continued improvement with every passing month.
