Can motor neurons be regenerated?
A. Unfortunately, the answer is still no. Adjacent motor neurons will sprout and take over some of the functions of dead motor neurons. We hope to stop the progressive nature of the death of one set of motor neurons after another, which may provide an effective treatment for the disease. Q. Do you think that stem cell therapy holds promise for ALS patients? A. Yes, but it’s a long way off. I am concerned because some implanted stem cells can develop into tumors. It’s still a process that needs to be studied carefully for a more complete understanding. We need to have better access to more stem cell lines to really unravel this mystery. I think our work with micronutrients will be of greater benefit much sooner. Q. Is there something people can do to reduce the risk of developing ALS, aside from taking vitamin E? A. Vitamin E is not proven to help, but it is the only compound that has ever been identified that might reduce the risk of developing ALS. I think maintaining adequate zinc le
