• Stem cells and the ommaya reservoir: Is it an effective strategy for treating Alzheimer's disease?
  • Mahak Amiri,1 Farzad Nezafati,2,*
    1. 8th grade(Middle school), Professor Shamsipour research institute, Kermanshah, Iran.
    2. Department of Biology, Kermanshah branch, Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, Iran.


  • Introduction: Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that gradually causes memory loss, impaired thinking, difficulty performing daily tasks, and, ultimately, changes in behavior and personality. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of stem cells, in combination with the Ommaya reservoir, on the treatment of this disease.
  • Methods: This review was conducted using the Google Scholar and PubMed databases, covering studies from 2016 to 2022, with a focus on treating Alzheimer's disease using mesenchymal stem cells. Finally, based on the findings, we explored the role of the Ommaya reservoir in delivering stem cells for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
  • Results: Studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cells reduce neuroinflammation, promote neurogenesis, and improve memory. In animal models, stem cell transplantation has been associated with decreased amyloid plaque formation and enhanced cognitive performance. The Ommaya reservoir has been reported as a safe method for delivering drugs or stem cells directly into the cerebral ventricles. This approach enables targeted delivery to the central nervous system with fewer systemic side effects. Combining stem cells with the Ommaya reservoir is a promising strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. However, it faces challenges such as precise dosage determination. Therefore, further clinical trials are necessary to confirm its safety and efficacy.
  • Conclusion: Stem cell therapy improved cognitive function and reduced Alzheimer’s pathology in reviewed studies. The Ommaya reservoir enabled targeted delivery with fewer systemic side effects.
  • Keywords: Stem cells, ommaya reservoir, Alzheimer's disease