Stem cell therapy use in patients with dementia: a systematic review
Dublin Core
Title
Stem cell therapy use in patients with dementia: a systematic review
Subject
Dementia, Stem cell therapy, Preclinical studies, Transgenic animal models, Neuroinflammation, Amyloid-
beta
beta
Description
Abstract
Background Stem cell therapy (SCT) is increasingly recognized for its potential in managing cognitive impairment,
particularly that of dementia. The application of SCT aims to restore cognitive functioning in people living with
dementia. Beyond pre-clinical studies, several clinical trials have evaluated specific stem cell (SC) types for their
efficacy in treating dementia.
Aims & Objectives To assess the status and efficacy of pre-clinical and clinical studies utilizing SCs as a therapeutic
approach for dementia.
Methods A systematic review was conducted using two electronic databases: MEDLINE and Embase. We reviewed
studies on the application of SCs in dementia, focusing on the following aspects: Animal models used in pre-clinical
studies, tissue sources of SCs and donor species, and administrative routes and outcome assessments. Included
papers comprised randomized control trials (RCTs) and original studies, while those involving adjuvant therapies for
dementia were excluded. Quality assessment criteria included relevance to the research question, type of SCs, stage
of SC transplantation, duration and route of administration, methods for outcome assessment, and the total number
of animals implicated.
Results A total of 32 papers were included, encompassing 21 clinical trials and 11 preclinical studies. The preclinical
studies employed various transgenic animal models to evaluate SCT outcomes. Animal models of dementia,
particularly transgenic mice, have proven instrumental in replicating human disease mechanisms. These models
facilitate understanding of pathophysiology and preclinical testing of therapeutic interventions. Studies utilizing
SCT demonstrated notable improvements in spatial memory, reduced neuroinflammation, and protection against
amyloid-beta (Aβ) toxicity. Key mechanisms included modulation of inflammation, microglial immune responses,
neurogenesis support, and anti-amyloidogenic effects. Preclinical studies predominantly employed human placenta-
derived mesenchymal stem cells (PD-MSCs), umbilical cord-derived MSCs (U-MSCs), and induced pluripotent stem
cell-derived neuronal precursors. Administration routes varied, with stereotactic and intravenous injections targeting
affected brain regions. Reductions in inflammatory markers such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and increases in anti-inflammatory
cytokines like IL-4 and IL-10 were observed. These outcomes emphasize the immunomodulatory and neuroprotective
capacities of SCT.
Background Stem cell therapy (SCT) is increasingly recognized for its potential in managing cognitive impairment,
particularly that of dementia. The application of SCT aims to restore cognitive functioning in people living with
dementia. Beyond pre-clinical studies, several clinical trials have evaluated specific stem cell (SC) types for their
efficacy in treating dementia.
Aims & Objectives To assess the status and efficacy of pre-clinical and clinical studies utilizing SCs as a therapeutic
approach for dementia.
Methods A systematic review was conducted using two electronic databases: MEDLINE and Embase. We reviewed
studies on the application of SCs in dementia, focusing on the following aspects: Animal models used in pre-clinical
studies, tissue sources of SCs and donor species, and administrative routes and outcome assessments. Included
papers comprised randomized control trials (RCTs) and original studies, while those involving adjuvant therapies for
dementia were excluded. Quality assessment criteria included relevance to the research question, type of SCs, stage
of SC transplantation, duration and route of administration, methods for outcome assessment, and the total number
of animals implicated.
Results A total of 32 papers were included, encompassing 21 clinical trials and 11 preclinical studies. The preclinical
studies employed various transgenic animal models to evaluate SCT outcomes. Animal models of dementia,
particularly transgenic mice, have proven instrumental in replicating human disease mechanisms. These models
facilitate understanding of pathophysiology and preclinical testing of therapeutic interventions. Studies utilizing
SCT demonstrated notable improvements in spatial memory, reduced neuroinflammation, and protection against
amyloid-beta (Aβ) toxicity. Key mechanisms included modulation of inflammation, microglial immune responses,
neurogenesis support, and anti-amyloidogenic effects. Preclinical studies predominantly employed human placenta-
derived mesenchymal stem cells (PD-MSCs), umbilical cord-derived MSCs (U-MSCs), and induced pluripotent stem
cell-derived neuronal precursors. Administration routes varied, with stereotactic and intravenous injections targeting
affected brain regions. Reductions in inflammatory markers such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and increases in anti-inflammatory
cytokines like IL-4 and IL-10 were observed. These outcomes emphasize the immunomodulatory and neuroprotective
capacities of SCT.
Creator
Olivier Uwishema1* , Malak Ghezzawi1,2 , Magda Wojtara1,3 , Ignatius N Esene4 and Kehinde Obamiro5
Source
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-025-00876-6
Date
2025
Contributor
Peri Irawan
Format
pdf
Language
english
Type
text
Files
Collection
Citation
Olivier Uwishema1* , Malak Ghezzawi1,2 , Magda Wojtara1,3 , Ignatius N Esene4 and Kehinde Obamiro5, “Stem cell therapy use in patients with dementia: a systematic review,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 11, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/12762.