The implantation of human neuronal cells led to an improvement in hand function and memory in people who had had a stroke.

Much research is being devoted to brain repair, where cells are transplanted to take over from damaged parts of the brain. In a new study, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh transferred human brain cells to a small group of stroke survivors.

The group of 18 patients was aged between 40 and 70 years, and all had had a stroke between one and six years previously. They received either five million cells, ten million cells, or rehabilitation only. After six months, four of the seven patients receiving five million cells and two of the seven receiving ten million cells showed measurable improvement in both wrist and arm movement, as well as memory, compared to their scores before the implant. However, there was no difference between those receiving the treatment and the rehabilitation controls in the ability to carry out activities of daily living. The results are encouraging, suggesting that implants of brain cells could have genuine value for stroke survivors. The next step is to do trials on larger groups and on those who have had more recent strokes.

Source

American Association of Neurological Surgeons 30th April 2003