However, because the source of the most useful type of stem cells is fetal tissue, political opposition, predominantly from the religious right, has successfully lobbied for restrictions on their use, culminating in the 2001 federal ban on publicly funded medical research into their use. As a result, almost a decade of valuable research has largely been lost into an effective cure for millions suffering from Alzheimer's and other debilitating human diseases (Kinsey 2007).
The federal ban on stem cell research has forced researchers to explore other avenues, such as two unrelated studies announced in late 2007 announcing methods of coaxing adult stem cells into the type of use for which only fetal stem cells had previously exhibited potential (Kinsey 2007). More recently, a study published in the March 2008 issue of Stem Cells and Development announced the results of studies evidencing the usefulness of stem cells derived from umbilical cord tissues in slowing the progression of Alzheimer's after diagnosis (Phan 2008). According to Mercedes Walton, of Cryo-Cell International, "The scientific community has only skimmed the surface in uncovering the many potential therapeutic uses for cord blood stem cells, and this new research in Alzheimer's disease may pave the way for discoveries around the use of these cells for a host of neurodegenerative and other chronic conditions" (Phan 2008).
This finding would represent the first genuine potential cure for the disease since the federal ban on embryonic stem cell research. Because stem cells derived from umbilical cord tissues do not involve destruction of viable embryos, even some conservative Christian representatives have since voiced support for this avenue of research. Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, of the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty has suggested that, "The use of umbilical cord blood is more humane than the use of embryos for two reasons: first,...
The supply of umbilical cords is pretty much unlimited" (Phan 2008).
Still, other commentators have pointed out that even if these new technologies eventually prove successful, they are unnecessarily circuitous routes to a cure necessitated only by religious-inspired dogma that contradicts modern science (Kinsey 2007).
Conclusion:
Alzheimer's disease is a devastating debilitating illness associated with age- related dementia and cognitive decline. It has become one of the most serious medical, public health, and social issues of the 21st century, affecting more and more Americans every year because the average age of Americans is increasing. Embryonic stem cell research is the most likely avenue of research into an effective cure, but political opposition has limited scientists to other avenues to the detriment of millions of patients and their families. In time, it is hoped that common sense will prevail; in the meantime, the best chance for an effective cure lies in other forms of stem cell research.
References
Kinsley, M. Commentary: Why Science Can't Save the GOP; Time Magazine (Dec. 10/07), p. 36.
Phan, K. (2008) Umbilical Cord Stem Cells Slow Down Alzheimer's Progression in Mice. Christian Post Reporter. Retrieved July 26, 2008, at http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080330/umbilical-cord-stem-cells-slow-down-alzheimer-s-progression-in-mice.htm
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Public Health Service - National Institutes of Health - National Institute on Aging (2006) Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet. Retrieved July 26, 2008 from the National Institute on Aging public website (last updated 2008), at http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/adfact.htm
