Biomedical Research, Essay Example

Discuss what you feel are the potential benefits of stem cell research for Alzheimer’s patients and their families

According to the National Institute of Health stem cells are important to health science due to their regenerative properties. Essentially, research has proven that when a stem cell divides, every cell that emerges from this process is capable of either remaining a stem cell or mutating into other cells with unique functions. These include muscle, a red blood cell brain cell (National Institute of Health, 2014).  Therefore, stem cells have relevance in scientific research and treatment of many incurable diseases.

Further, with reference to Alzheimer’s, studies show that this disease results in massive destruction of neurons and synapses in the cerebral cortex. If stem cells have the ability to mutate, then its usefulness in Alzheimer’s disease (for which there is no cure and 0.40% of the world’s population are affected) is relevant. Even though this might appear a small percentage this estimate accounts for 26.6 million people between the ages of 65-75  being affected by the disease. Therefore, from a biomedical perspective it seems worthwhile/ ethical trying to save this segment of the world’s population by enhancing their quality of life (Beauchamp, Walters, Kahn, J. Mastroianni, 2008).

In my opinion many families would benefit from stem cell intervention not only with Alzheimer’s disease, but many other incurable conditions that plague humans today. However, when taken from health care costs, evaluations regarding whether it is feasible to expend money towards stem cells treatment with an age group consisting of elderly who have lived long and considered within their senior years must be conducted. My perspective on stem cells treatment for Alzheimer’s disease is based on the premise that even though seniors are affected, these elderly still deserve a better quality of life, than which is offered when afflicted by this incurable disease.

References

Beauchamp, T. Walters, L. Kahn, J. P. Mastroianni, A. (2008). Contemporary issues in bioethics (7th ed.) Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing

National Institute of Health (2014). Stem Cell Basics. Retrieved on April 28^th, 2014 from http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/pages/basics1.aspx