Composite Brains: Toward a Systems Theory of Neural Reconstruction
The results of uncontrolled, open-label clinical trials indicate that reconstructive cellular therapies have the capacity to produce meaningful functional improvements in patients with brain disorders. However, the transplantation of fetal cells has not progressed to viable best practice treatment f...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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SAGE Publishing
2013-03-01
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| Series: | Cell Transplantation |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.3727/096368912X656072 |
| _version_ | 1818048906442833920 |
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| author | Stephen Polgar |
| author_facet | Stephen Polgar |
| author_sort | Stephen Polgar |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The results of uncontrolled, open-label clinical trials indicate that reconstructive cellular therapies have the capacity to produce meaningful functional improvements in patients with brain disorders. However, the transplantation of fetal cells has not progressed to viable best practice treatment for any brain disorder. A conceptual approach, referred to as the Repair Model, has served as a useful heuristic for initiating research in the field and guiding the development of new practices. Analysis of evidence for the treatment of Parkinson's disease indicates that recovery following neural grafting is a complex process influenced by factors beyond the replacement of neurons. An alternative approach, the Composite Brain Model, is outlined to address limitations of the Repair Model. A hierarchical, open-system model is proposed, which aims to track the interactions between the grafted cells, the host brain, and the environment. The Composite Brain Model emphasizes the importance of the interactions between the patient, their physical and social environment, and the provision of rehabilitation during recovery. It is proposed that the Composite Brain Model is useful in providing an alternative perspective for research, theory building, and practice. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-10T10:29:08Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-927d8219cd3944eba4d51163cd45908b |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 0963-6897 1555-3892 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-10T10:29:08Z |
| publishDate | 2013-03-01 |
| publisher | SAGE Publishing |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Cell Transplantation |
| spelling | doaj.art-927d8219cd3944eba4d51163cd45908b2022-12-22T01:52:37ZengSAGE PublishingCell Transplantation0963-68971555-38922013-03-012210.3727/096368912X656072Composite Brains: Toward a Systems Theory of Neural ReconstructionStephen Polgar0School of Health Sciences and Human Biosciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, AustraliaThe results of uncontrolled, open-label clinical trials indicate that reconstructive cellular therapies have the capacity to produce meaningful functional improvements in patients with brain disorders. However, the transplantation of fetal cells has not progressed to viable best practice treatment for any brain disorder. A conceptual approach, referred to as the Repair Model, has served as a useful heuristic for initiating research in the field and guiding the development of new practices. Analysis of evidence for the treatment of Parkinson's disease indicates that recovery following neural grafting is a complex process influenced by factors beyond the replacement of neurons. An alternative approach, the Composite Brain Model, is outlined to address limitations of the Repair Model. A hierarchical, open-system model is proposed, which aims to track the interactions between the grafted cells, the host brain, and the environment. The Composite Brain Model emphasizes the importance of the interactions between the patient, their physical and social environment, and the provision of rehabilitation during recovery. It is proposed that the Composite Brain Model is useful in providing an alternative perspective for research, theory building, and practice.https://doi.org/10.3727/096368912X656072 |
| spellingShingle | Stephen Polgar Composite Brains: Toward a Systems Theory of Neural Reconstruction Cell Transplantation |
| title | Composite Brains: Toward a Systems Theory of Neural Reconstruction |
| title_full | Composite Brains: Toward a Systems Theory of Neural Reconstruction |
| title_fullStr | Composite Brains: Toward a Systems Theory of Neural Reconstruction |
| title_full_unstemmed | Composite Brains: Toward a Systems Theory of Neural Reconstruction |
| title_short | Composite Brains: Toward a Systems Theory of Neural Reconstruction |
| title_sort | composite brains toward a systems theory of neural reconstruction |
| url | https://doi.org/10.3727/096368912X656072 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT stephenpolgar compositebrainstowardasystemstheoryofneuralreconstruction |