New research conducted by Hadassah Hospital in Ein Kerem, Jerusalem together with Israeli company BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics has been generating a lot of worldwide attention.  

Until now, there have been no proven methods to slow the progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as  Lou Gehrig’s disease.

However, the hospital and research clinic have been implementing an experimental method of treatment for 26 ALS patients over the past four years that utilizes groundbreaking technology. The technology involves gathering stem cells from a patient’s own bone marrow and then treating them in a proprietary process.

The cells are reinstated into the spinal fluid of the patient using a special technique, after they have undergone the process.

Stem cell research and their healing properties is still being studied and explored.

“In some of the patients the disease not only stopped progressing, but there was a notable improvement in their neurological functions,” ALS researcher Dr. Dimitrios Karussis said. “We saw an improvement in 90 percent of the patients who underwent the trials. Motor function returned for many of the patients. There was an improvement in their hands, and their ability to breathe improved. If this proves to be the case consistently, it will change the lives of ALS patients.”

According to a report that appeared on the ABC website, similar research is now being conducted in the Mayo clinic in Massachusetts.

The process encourages cells to become neurons.

Karussis said that if future studies continue to prove successful, the approach may be used to treat Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries.

While it is still too early to tell state that there is a cure or even a medication for ALS, the research and test cases have awoken hope for patients suffering from the disease where there was little to none before.