All posts by Sam Jutney

The Promise of Stem Cell Research for Treatment of Cerebral Palsy

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Cerebral palsy is a general term for a group of disorders that affect the body’s nervous system. Cerebral palsy is a permanent condition that will remain with the sufferer throughout his or her life, however, it is not a progressive disease that worsens over time. CP can result in an impairment of certain body functions, such as speech and movement. It can affect the way a person walks, talks and controls their balance. Those with CP may also have trouble with their hearing and vision, and in some cases they may be intellectually impaired. The disorder can be caused by injury to the brain or by an abnormality in the brain developed in the womb. Infants born prematurely have an increased likelihood of developing this disorder.

While there is no known cure for CP, some in the medical field believe that conducting stem cell research may provide an answer. While stem cells may not completely eradicate the effects of the disorder, it is hoped that stem cells may be developed to provide therapeutic treatment for sufferers.

What gives researchers hope in stem cells as a promising treatment is the versatility of the cells. Stem cells are what are known as undifferentiated cells, meaning they have the potential to develop along different lines. This means they could possibly be developed into cells that can be used in the treatment of Cerebral Palsy. Some day, it is hoped, through research and development of new methods of treatment, stem cells will be used as a form of restorative therapy in patients who suffer from diseases that damage the body’s nervous system, like CP.

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Raising International Awareness for Cerebral Palsy

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Cerebral Palsy is a group of disorders that affect the central nervous system. These disorders may develop in the womb, or could be the result of an injury to the brain. Sufferers of CP have impaired hearing, vision and speech. Their balance, motor skills and muscle movement may also be impacted. In some instances, CP may result in the intellectual impairment of the individual. International awareness of the causes, as well as the current and potential treatments of cerebral palsy, is crucial to treating CP.

While there is no known cure for CP at this time, stem cell research offers great promise in the restorative therapeutic treatment of cerebral palsy. Efforts have been made by organizations like the Tikvah Layeled Foundation to increase awareness among the public about what the disorder is, how it is treated, how it may be prevented and how a cure may be developed through new advances and techniques.

Towards this goal, conferences and symposiums are held regularly so that some of the world’s leading authorities in the medical field can share their information and research on these types of disorders. Marketing campaigns are also a good way to get the message out about the prevention and research into the treatment of this disease.

While CP is not a progressive disease that worsens over time, it may be preventable, reversible and treatable. Research, resources, information and public awareness are all needed at an international level to help fight this debilitating disorder. Only through the efforts and hard work of organizations like the Tikvah Layeled Foundation, and others, will awareness of cerebral palsy on a worldwide level be achieved.

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What it Means to Teach Children with Cerebral Palsy

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Cerebral palsy is a general term for a group of disorders that affect the brain. Suffers of CP may have difficulty controlling their muscles which can affect movement and speech. A child with CP may seem uncoordinated or clumsy, which can open them up to ridicule from other students at school. Teachers who have no training in dealing with children with CP may find it difficult and as a result the child may not get the education they need.

Children with CP may have difficulty hearing the teacher. They may have trouble with comprehension and communication and they may have learning disabilities that can impede their progress in the classroom. Teaching children with CP requires patience, understanding and a different educational approach. While there is no known cure for cerebral palsy, physical therapy combined with speech and language therapy can be useful tools in helping children use their bodies and speech effectively.

Teaching children with cerebral palsy presents a unique set of challenges for learning institutions. Special education and other resources can be obtained at the state and local levels to assist in teaching these students. Educators must possess a unique set of skills allowing them to deal with children suffering from CP. There are also different devices that can be used to help teach these children. Special boards using symbols and pictures to help children learn letters and words can be used. Computers are also integrated into the process where children with impaired motor functions can use special software that has been adapted according to their abilities.

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The Joy of Providing Care for Tikvah Layeled’s Children

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Tikvah Layeled is an educational facility and rehabilitation center located in Israel. The goal of the organization is to treat children suffering from cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term used to identify several types of disorders that affect the brain and the central nervous system. Children born with this disorder are physically impaired and many are mentally impaired to some degree as well. The goal of Tikvah Layeled is to improve the lives of the children in their care, and to help them lead independent and active lives.

Cerebral palsy can result in many negative physical impairments. Poor vision, speech and hearing can be a result of the disorder, as well as a loss of muscle control and motor skills. These things make it difficult for sufferers to learn in a more conventional environment. While the work is seldom easy, it can be tremendously rewarding and Tikvah Layeled employs a number of top therapists who are dedicated to the improvement of the lives of cerebral palsy children. Working with these children and watching them grow, adapt and learn, despite their disabilities, creates a very positive work environment.

Each child at Tikvah Layeled is assessed individually by the staff so that their therapy can be adjusted according to their need. The facility, in operation since 1982, serves as both a learning and rehabilitation center. These two facets of the operation work together to help children overcome their mental and physical obstacles. They joy of working with cerebral palsy children is evident among the staff and the state-of-the-art facilities are a testament to the hard work, dedication and sense of purpose of founders, Mr. Tavi and Mrs. Shaindel Breitstein.

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