Stem Cell Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease

At the Stem Cells Transplant Institute in Costa Rica, we offer mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy for Alzheimer’s disease to support brain health, cognitive function, and overall quality of life.

Reviewed: 19 Apr 2026

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. Its exact cause is not fully understood, but it is characterized by chronic neuroinflammation, gradual neuronal loss, and the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), over 55 million people worldwide are affected by dementia, with Alzheimer’s accounting for approximately 60–70% of all cases. These changes lead to a decline in memory, thinking, and functional abilities over time.

 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), over 55 million people worldwide are affected by dementia, with Alzheimer’s accounting for nearly 60–70% of all cases.

Why Seek Stem Cell Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease in Costa Rica?

Stem Cells Transplant Institute in Costa Rica works with families navigating Alzheimer’s disease who are looking for a science-based regenerative option that complements conventional memory care. Our protocols utilize laboratory-processed mesenchymal stem cells and are administered within controlled clinical environments in a certified clinical setting in San José, under direct physician oversight.

Costa Rica is a short, direct flight away from most U.S. and Canadian cities, which facilitates the logistics of traveling internationally with a loved one with Alzheimer’s.  Also, for this reason, treatment programs are typically delivered over three to five days, allowing patients and caregivers to complete the clinical protocol within a defined treatment schedule.

Finally, the cost of treatment is substantially lower than comparable private programs in North America.

Before any therapy is scheduled, all Alzheimer’s patients undergo a detailed medical screening and case review conducted by the institute’s physicians. The evaluation process typically involves a review of their diagnosis stage and cognitive status, assessment of current medications and prior treatments, evaluation of medical history and overall health condition, and a discussion with caregivers regarding daily needs support.

Common characteristics

  • Memory loss and confusion
  • Difficulty completing familiar tasks
  • Language and communication decline
  • Disorientation and mood changes
  • Loss of motivation or depression
Evidence-Based Treatment

Why Stem Cell Therapy for Alzheimer’s?

Emerging scientific research suggests that mesenchymal stem cells may help modulate biological processes associated with Alzheimer’s disease, including chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and gradual neuronal degeneration.

MSCs are known for their ability to release trophic factors (molecules that support cell survival) that may help reduce oxidative stress and promote a healthier neural environment. They can also regulate immune activity and support  the formation of new neural connections (synaptic networks). Early clinical studies have shown that MSCs are capable of migrating toward areas of neural injury without inducing tumor growth or a significant adverse immune response. 

While stem cell therapy is not a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, ongoing research indicates that it may offer supportive benefits for selected patients by promoting a more balanced inflammatory response and potentially stabilizing certain functional aspects. 

Evidence remains preliminary, and larger controlled clinical trials are required.

1

Reducing Neuroinflammation

MSCs secrete signaling molecules (cytokines and growth factors) that may help modulate neuroinflammatory pathways in the brain, contributing to a more balanced immune response and helping protect neurons from further stress.
(Frontiers in Neurology, 2022)

Icono minimalista de un cerebro humano de color púrpura que destaca la división entre los dos hemisferios cerebrales sobre un fondo negro sólido.
2

Immune System Regulation

By helping regulate immune activity, MSCs may reduce excessive microglial activation—one of the biological processes associated with neuronal injury in Alzheimer’s.
(Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 2023)

3

Neuroprotection and Support for Repair Processes

MSCs release naturally occurring proteins—such as BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), GDNF (glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor), Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

These molecules may help support neuronal survival, maintain healthier neural circuits, and promote conditions that favor repair mechanisms.

(Cell Transplantation, 2021)

4

Improving Cerebral Blood Flow

Preclinical evidence suggests MSCs may promote angiogenesis—the formation of new blood vessels— which could improve oxygen and nutrient availability in affected brain regions.
(Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 2022)

Expected Benefits and Clinical Observations

Although individual responses vary widely, published studies and clinical observations have reported potential supportive improvement in the following functional domains:

Cognitive clarity (memory)
20-40%
Icono que simboliza la estrategia y el proceso cognitivo, mostrando una silueta de cabeza humana con un engranaje mecánico en su interior.
Emotional stability
25-45%
Independence and coordination
20-35%
Icono de dos burbujas de chat superpuestas que simbolizan la comunicación, el diálogo o los mensajes directos.
General vitality
20-30%
Icono morado de una cara sonriente rodeada de tres signos de más, simbolizando positividad, mejora continua y bienestar.

*These percentages summarize ranges reported in selected clinical studies and observational cohorts under controlled conditions and standardized outcomes measures. They are not specific to any single study or to treatments performed at Stem Cells Transplant Institute. They should not be interpreted as averages, promises, or guaranteed results for individual patients. Evidence for MSC therapy in Alzheimer’s disease remains preliminary, and ongoing controlled clinical trials are still evaluating the magnitude, durability and consistency of these effects. All observations should be considered exploratory and hypothesis-generating rather than definitive proofs of efficacy.

Timeline of Reported Improvements

 Published studies and patient-reported outcomes suggest that improvements following mesenchymal stem cell therapy for Alzheimer’s disease may develop gradually over time. These timelines are illustrative summaries rather than predictions, and individual responses vary significantly.

1-3 months
Improved energy, mood, and overall alertness
3-6 months
Enhanced focus, language engagement, and social interaction
6-12 months
Sustained or gradual functional stabilization or cognitive gains in some cases

*These timelines summarize patterns reported across selected published studies and observational cohorts. They are not specific predictions, and they do not represent expected outcomes for any individual patient. Individual experiences vary considerably, and some patients may experience minimal or no improvement. Evidence for MSC therapy in Alzheimer’s disease remains preliminary, and larger controlled clinical trials are needed to validate these observations. All timelines should be interpreted as exploratory and non-confirmatory.

Patient Stories & Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

In Costa Rica, patients living with Alzheimer’s may receive mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy, using cells derived from umbilical cord tissue or their own adipose tissue.

Yes, the Stem Cells Transplant Institute offers personalized treatment programs for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Packages typically include:

  • Comprehensive medical evaluation
  • Customized MSC treatment protocol
  • Infusion sessions
  • All required laboratory processing
  • Follow-up monitoring after returning home

Every program is tailored individually, since Alzheimer’s affects each patient differently and clinical needs vary.

Costs vary depending on:

  • The patient’s stage of Alzheimer’s
  • The number of cells and infusions recommended
  • Whether intrathecal (IT) administration or sedation is advised
  • Additional medical services

You may request a personalized estimate online, but the final price is provided only after medical review to ensure the proposed plan is appropriate and safe for your condition.

There is no single known root cause of Alzheimer’s disease.
Current scientific understanding indicates it is likely the result from a combination of factors:

  • Abnormal protein accumulation (amyloid and tau)
  • Chronic inflammation
  • Genetic influences
  • Age-related biological changes
  • Oxidative stress
  • Vascular and metabolic factors

Because these processes interact overtime, Alzheimer’s cannot be reversed at this stage. However, some treatments—including investigational approaches like stem cell therapy—may help support brain health and stabilize certain functional aspects in patients.

Outcomes vary widely from patient to patient.

During treatment:

  • MSCs are administered through a simple intravenous (IV) infusion.
  • Depending on the protocol, an intrathecal (IT) infusion may also be recommended.
  • The procedure is generally well-tolerated and does not usually require general anesthesia.
  • Patients remain under medical supervision throughout the session.

After treatment:

  • Most patients resume normal activities within 24 hours.
  • Follow-up evaluations are typically performed at 3 and 6 months to monitor cognitive and functional changes.
  • Improvements, if they occur, tend to appear gradually.

MSC therapy has demonstrated a favorable safety profile in published studies, but- as with any medical procedures- have potential risks. Potential short-term effects may include:

  • Temporary fatigue
  • Mild headache
  • Low-grade fever
  • Dizziness or nausea
  • Discomfort at the infusion site

Serious complications are rare but possible. Every patient undergoes a thorough medical evaluation to determine whether MSC therapy is appropriate and to help minimize risk. Emergency support is available on-site.

Key Research Studies

Intravenous Infusion of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy • 2021

Phase I clinical trial evaluating safety and tolerability of intravenous mesenchymal stem cell therapy in patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

View published study

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy and Alzheimer’s Disease: Mechanisms and Evidence

Translational Neurodegeneration • 2020

Scientific review summarizing mechanisms, clinical evidence, and future therapeutic prospects of MSC therapy for Alzheimer’s disease.

View published study

Bone Marrow MSC Exosomes Alleviate Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Models

Journal of Neuroinflammation • 2022

Preclinical research showing that mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes improved cognitive performance and reduced neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s models.

View published study

MSC-Derived Exosomes Improve Alzheimer’s Pathology

Biomedicines • 2021

Experimental study demonstrating that mesenchymal stem cell exosomes may reduce pathological markers associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

View published study
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San José, Costa Rica

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info@stemcellstransplantinstitute.com

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