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Blair Simpson

Mrs. Chis

PAP English

3/22/10

Research Paper

There have been many promising advancements in stem cell research in the last few

years. Stem cells have been shown to help patients with various diseases, such as Heart Disease.

Soon, we will be able to cure many of those diseases which affect many lives around the world

with the help of stem cells. One of the most promising areas of this research is the use of stem

cells in treating Parkinson’s disease. “…their presence suggests that stem cells in the adult brain

may have the potential to re-wire dysfunctional neuronal circuitry.(Activating the brain’s…)”

Stem cell research plays a significant role in effectively finding a cure for Parkinson’s Disease.

Parkinson’s disease is a condition of the brain that results in difficulty of movement and

ultimately incapacitation. “Parkinson's disease belongs to a group of conditions called motor

systems disorders which are the result of the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells.(What is

Parkinson's disease?)” This fits into my research paper because Parkinson's is a disease involving
the loss of brain cells and stem cells show the promise for regenerating the cells that die. There

are many current drugs for the treatment of Parkinson's but no cures yet. “Usually, patients are

given Levodopa combined with Carbidopa.(Is there any treatments?)” Because people are given

these drugs the symptoms are relieved for some time which allows people affected with

Parkinson's to live a better life, but offer no cure.

Stem cells can be used for a variety of medical purposes. “Stem Cells have the

remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body during early life and

growth.(What are…)” Because of this potential, stem cells could replicate the dopamine

producing cells that died, resulting in Parkinson's. Also stem cells could be used as a new
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treatment. “Given their unique regenerative abilities, stem cells offer new potentials for treating

diseases such as diabetes and heart disease .(What are…)” Because of this, people all over the

world could be cured of diseases that were once incurable and lead normal lives again.

Stem Cell research has shown results in helping patients affected with Parkinson's. “The

intensive research aiming at curing Parkinson's disease with stem cells is a good example for the

various strategies, successful results, and remaining challenges of stem cell-based repair.(A

major target)” Because of this research, someday diseases like Parkinson's will be cured. Stem

cells have been shown to grow back cells that died. “Scientists are also studying the possibility

that the brain may be able to repair its self with therapeutic support.(Activating the brain)”

Because of this property of stem cells scientists might be able to re-grow the dopamine

producing brain cells.

Stem cell research is controversial. There are people who oppose this research because

using stem cells from terminated pregnancies or other medical procedures where the embryo is

not viable is seen as ending a human life. However, others believe that the state at which the

stem cells are taken, sustainable human life does not exist. No matter which view point you hold,

the controversy has slowed the pace of research in the United States and elsewhere. However,

my opinion is that stem cell research is not ending a human life, but using cells that have not yet

developed in treating and curing various diseases. Also there are other sources for stem cells

than human embryos, although they are not as effective, like adult stem cells or body fat. So

human embryos are only a temporary source for stem cells until scientists can figure out how to

use other sources effectively.

Stem cell research is a very effective way to find a new cure for Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s

disease is a motor systems disorder caused by dopamine producing cells in the brain dying.

There are drugs, like levodopa and carbodopa, that relieve the symptoms but are not a cure.

Stem cells have shown to have the remarkable ability to reproduce those cells that die causing

Parkinson’s disease. Some people though are against this research because the stem cells come

from human embryos that are terminated in the process. There are other sources for stem cells,
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including adults and body fat, so embryos are just a temporary source for stem cells until

scientists find how to use those stem cells effectively.