With the population of 65 and older gaining in numbers steadily, researchers are looking into how to keep seniors healthy and happy. One thing that has been a struggle has to do with blood. For example, anyone who is battling cancer will have to deal with the side effects. How can science make that easier? New research from Weill Cornell Medical College is asking, could stem cells rejuvenate the blood stream?

Could Stem Cells Rejuvenate the Blood Stream?

The blood system is responsible for producing blood cells throughout a person’s life. With age, its function declines. Blood cells provide all sorts of different cells that we need, including different immune cells.

As we age the cells’ functions also decline, leaving seniors more vulnerable to diseases. It’s been shown that there’s an increase in blood cancer among those over 65.

This is even more difficult because older patients are frequently not good candidates for bone marrow transplants, the cure for many blood disorders. This is due of a higher degree of complications after the transplant.

The research shows that transplanting younger blood within mice rejuvenated the aging stem cells. This could potentially mean that this process could assist in recovering from cancer treatment side effects.

This study shows that it’s possible to not only help sustain aging blood cells but also help heal as well. This could mean protection of organs like gut, skin, spleen and liver, that are affected by radiation. This also means a shorter recovery time, less susceptibility to infections, and a lower number of blood stem cells needed to achieve a successful transplant.

Read more here.