MD Stem Cells: Very Elderly Benefit from Stem Cells for Macular Degeneration

Ridgefield, CT, February 21, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Everything is extreme these days including the number of people who are in their 90s and enjoying their lives independently. Known as Nonagenarians, this is one of the fastest growing age groups in the United States reaching 1.9 million in 2010 according to the US Census Bureau. But the majority report having one or more disabilities and visual problems are among them. Macular Degeneration is a common progressive retinal condition. It may be dry and consist of drusen and retinal cell loss but about 10% each year progress to the wet form with abnormal blood vessels growing just under the retina which may worsen the vision suddenly. Wet AMD is potentially treatable by anti-VEGF intravitreal injections, but visual loss may still occur. In both types of macular degeneration, treatment with adult stem cells may be of significant help.

Roma McCoy and her daughter were exploring the option of stem cell treatments for her long standing macular degeneration through MD Stem Cells and decided to have treatment in Florida. Roma is 92 years young, mostly healthy and active but doubts weighed on the family. The response following stem cell treatment was more rapid and positive than anyone anticipated.

“My Mom is a new person. She would never listen to all the doctors tell her she is simply going to go blind, and there is nothing that she can do about it. She refused to listen to their bad report as truth, but rather continued her search for the solution that would set her free to see,” stated her daughter Penny. “The day after the surgery when we were walking down the walkway to the elevators my mother stopped and said, 'The flowers are so bright!' She took off her sunglasses and exclaimed it again. This was the first amazing sign; as things being shady and dark have been the worst of the nightmare she has been living. Then on the drive back to the hotel she looked into the visor mirror and said, 'You guys, I can see my face'.”

“We are always being asked about what to expect regarding visual improvements especially in older patients. Our most recent patient appears to put the concerns about the ability of the older eye to respond to our stem cell treatment to rest,” indicated Dr. Levy, President of MD Stem Cells.

Penny continues, “The day before leaving for her second checkup, we were at breakfast and Mom said, 'I can read the menu for the first time in years!' All these findings were stated from Mom without any prompting from anyone else, and believe me, that was a miracle in and of itself,” relayed Penny. Then Friday morning before leaving to come home she said, “Penny, I can see the alarm clock for the first time in years!"

MD Stem Cells helps patients obtain adult stem cell treatments both in the United States and Europe for a number of chronic diseases. Retinal and optic nerve eye problems have been showing significant improvements in both central and peripheral vision. "Intuitively we expect young patients to respond readily because their bodies heal more rapidly," mentioned Dr. Levy, President of MD Stem Cells, "but responses to stem cells are showing up across all age groups."

A few days after treatment Penny and her mother returned home. "When we were setting up for dinner she could see the knobs on the stove and operated them from a standing position, not from a stooping position with her eyes right on them and still not being able to see them." Penny mentions that Roma took a walk in the sagebrush, rocks and streams and had a much better walk than normal because, as Roma put it, "I could see!" “Mom is even talking about going bike riding with me since she can see. And by the way, she is 92 and absolutely amazing. She is a woman of faith and perseverance because of the hope inside her. She pressed through. May this be a lesson for all of us. If you want life, you have to work and press into it, and never give up until you get your answer,” exclaimed Penny.

If you or a family member has eye disease or another chronic neurologic or medical condition get the facts about improvements that can be provided by the right team of doctors.

MD Stem Cells is a trusted source of the latest information regarding clinically available adult stem cell treatments, coordinates patient referrals and manages the treatment process for patients and providers.