Stem cell injections restore memory in Alzheimer's model

Injecting stem cells into the brains of mice proved a direct and effective approach for rescuing memory lost to Alzheimer's, according to a group of researchers at the University of California who believe that they may be on to a new approach to treating the epidemic.

"Essentially, the cells were producing fertilizer for the brain," said Professor Frank LaFerla, director of the university's Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders. Six percent of the stem cells developed into neurons, with the rest transforming into other brain cells. That new material also spurred the development of neuritis, which connects neurons. 

"The neural stem cells were helping the brain form new synapses and nursing the injured neurons back to health," said lead author Mathew Blurton-Jones. Their findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

- read the story from the Telegraph