CRISPR and gene therapy approaches for age-related neurodegenerative disease

This 2020 review examined gene therapy, which delivers genetic instructions to cells, and CRISPR, a tool that can change DNA. It looked at possible treatments for brain diseases in which nerve cells gradually stop working, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Most of the research was in laboratory cells and animals, with only limited testing in people. The approaches showed promise in some experiments, but safe delivery to the brain, unwanted DNA changes, and immune reactions remained major problems.

What this means for you: This review does not show that CRISPR or gene therapy can prevent or treat these diseases in people. There is no reason to buy a product or seek treatment based on this research alone.