In addition, these are procedures that can t be planned in advance. Obviously, for the rapid autopsy program to succeed, we are dependent on patients and families making courageous decisions to donate cells under extremely stressful situations. UNMC s research seeks to understand how brain cells are damaged and to find ways to regenerate these damaged brain cells. The research involves three cell types astrocytes, microglia and neurons. Astrocytes and microglia are the support cells for neurons.
Neurons are the most critical cells for brain function.
They work to receive and send out electrical signals throughout the body and are instrumental for normal thinking and motor function. With Nebraska ranking among the top four states in the percentage of people age 85 years and older, this research is very important to Nebraskans, Dr. Gendelman said. Currently, about 77,000 Nebraskans have Alzheimer s disease, and the number is expected to more than double in the next 30 years. It s estimated that more than 5 percent of Nebraska s population suffers from some sort of neurodegenerative disease.