Hi, I have been reading about how stem cells are thought to be able to reverse birth defects in the brain caused by exposure to heroin and certain pesticides in the womb. Scientists believe that stem cells can also be used to treat disorders such as autism.
I was wondering, does anyone know if stem cells can treat learning disorders that are the result of heavy metal exposure AFTER birth? Like, during childhood? For instance, say a child was exposed to lead and developed mental retardation, could stem cells treat him or her?
Update:Actually spicyicee, stem cells have already been shown to reverse learning defects in rats caused by exposure to heroin and certain pesticides in the womb. I was just wondering if stem cells could be used to cure learning disabilities that occur in childhood.
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I think even with stem cells, it would be important to get the heavy metal out of the body first.
I do not think stem cells can help with learning disabilities or brain damage. That is because you can not chnage the brain in such a way like that. There are other things you can chnage. You can chnage chnaces of getting certain things and you can use cells to reproduce healy cells, but this would not work with learning disabilities. The format of the brain cant be changed even with stem cells. If something was caused by heavy metals that would be something that could not be reversed.