Though much of society is gradually becoming more comfortable with the idea that stem cells may be soon used on a large scale to treat all sorts of ailments, including neurodegenerative disease, the use of human embryonic stem cells continues to be controversial. The use, and therefore the destruction of, embryos for procedures that utilize embryonic stem cells continues to spark outrage among communities that share the belief that each human embryo possesses an inherent right to life. [S7.1]

​

Gene therapy has come into the spotlight in the past few years, and so have major controversies surrounding the treatment. Though there seems to be little opposition to the use of genetic therapy for neurodegenerative disease in particular, there seems to be a general worry that the use of genetic modification to cure diseases may lead to the utilization of genetic modification for cosmetic purposes. [S7.2]

​

Despite the progress that researchers are making regarding gene therapy, using viral vectors to transport healthy genetic material into the human body may, in some instances, prove to be hazardous. This is, of course, heavily dependent on the type of viral vector used. For instance, the canine adenovirus-2 used by BrainCAV poses little threat to the human body, and may be the ideal candidate for transporting genes into the human nervous system. However, the use of viral vectors that are detectable by the human immune system could trigger the patient’s immune response, resulting in harmful, even deadly, effects. [S7.3]

​

Drugs are the ideal method of treatment. Drugs can be mass-manufactured, and made easily accessible to all, which would be perfect for the large geriatric population that may require treatment for their neurodegenerative disease. However, many developed compounds are still in their budding phases, and have major problems researchers must first solve before making the treatment available to the public. Carbon-60 fullerenes, for example, could become virulent when exposed to both light and oxygen, making it somewhat of a risky nanoparticle to use in the treatment of a human disease. Other drug compounds may, due to their properties, be unable to make it to the problematic areas in the nervous system. In order for the public to receive these treatments, the drugs must first be refined by scientists. [S2.7]