Is it possible to heal the central nervous system?

Because nerve cells do not regenerate like skin and blood cells do, people who suffer from paralysis from an accident or polio never regain their mobility. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease are two more examples of how nerve cells degenerate and cause memory loss and motor function loss.

To stave off early degeneration of nerve cells, it is advised that you keep your brain active and busy by taking up a musical instrument, learning a new language, or exercising frequently. You should also avoid air pollution as smog slows down the oxygen consumption of the brain, which is what causes degeneration.

Scientists are still trying to figure out why nerve cells cannot regenerate on their own and how it can be induced. The only solution they have found thus far is controversial stem cell treatment, which is prohibited in some countries and extremely expensive in those that do.

The central nervous system has limited regenerative capacity, but certain treatments and therapies may support healing and recovery to some extent. Research is ongoing in this area.