Brain donation plays a crucial role in advancing research on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, including research into new treatments. When someone donates their brain, it's used for scientific purposes. Unlike other organs, it's not transplanted to another person.
A single donated brain can yield tissue for hundreds of research studies, which makes brain donation a valuable gift for researchers and future generations.
Who can donate their brain?
Anyone over age 18 can register to donate, including healthy people or those affected by Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. You may opt to gift your brain or talk with a loved one about donating their brain.
Researchers are most interested in donations from people:
- Of all ages with healthy brains.
- Of different racial and ethnic groups, including those who are Asian, Black, Hispanic or Latino, and Native American and/or Pacific Islander.
- Who have experienced significant, long term economic or financial hardship or significant exposure to adverse environmental circumstances, such as pesticides or pollutants.
- Who have a family history of dementia or have been diagnosed with younger/early - or late-onset Alzheimer's or another dementia, such as Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, vascular dementia, and others.
- Who are living with Down syndrome.
- Who have participated or are participating in clinical trials or other research on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
- Who are taking currently approved medication for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Sometimes, people wishing to donate must already participate in an organization's research program — this varies by donation program.
Why consider brain donation?
- A single donated brain can support hundreds of research studies. Whether you choose to gift your brain or speak with a loved one about donating their brain, there are many reasons to consider brain donation.
- To contribute to improving life for future generations and an end to Alzheimer's disease. The overarching goal of Alzheimer's disease and dementia research is to one day prevent — and even one day cure — these diseases. Donated brains are essential to advance research efforts.
- To find closure after a loved one's illness. Doctors can only fully understand all of the brain changes contributing to dementia by examining the brain after death. Having a diagnosis can bring comfort and peace of mind to families.
- To help researchers learn more about why certain groups are at greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Studying donated brains from different groups of people can provide important information about what causes Alzheimer's disease and why it may affect various populations in different ways. This helps researchers understand the biology behind the disease.
How brain donation works
Becoming a brain donor isn't a complex process, but it does require some planning in advance. While the process varies based on the study or donation organization, these are the general steps in brain donation:
Step 1: Individuals interested in brain donation can enroll in a study or brain donation program and complete the consent form. They should familiarize themselves with the brain donation process.
Step 2: It's important for individuals to discuss their decision with their family, share the information they have gathered and collectively reach a consensus on the preferred contact person or persons. Let the individual’s physician know and update their end-of-life planning documents, including will or trust documents.
Step 3: In the unfortunate event of an individual's passing, the designated contact person should notify the donation coordinator within two hours.
Step 4: The donation center (or brain bank) will be responsible for making appropriate arrangements to transport the body to the donation site. Upon completion of the autopsy, the body is returned to the family for burial, cremation or any related ceremonies.
Step 5: The brain bank completes the autopsy, making a report available to the family (if requested). Then they process and preserve the brain tissue for future research. The timing of this process will vary significantly by site.
Starting the conversation
Although explaining the reasoning behind your decision can be a challenging conversation, brain donation is an empowering choice for you or your loved one. Initiate conversations with family or loved ones early in the decision-making process.
Start by clearly stating the reasons why you'd like to donate your brain or why you have encouraged your loved one to consider brain donation. Sharing information obtained from physicians or participating in research studies can help support this discussion. Some individuals find it helpful to seek guidance or support from a spiritual advisor when discussing this significant topic.
Brain donation programs are also available to answer any questions about their specific donation process or how they'll use the donated brain to help research studies.
Choosing a brain donation center
National and regional research centers accept brain donations. Some will only take donations from individuals already participating in a research study with their site, so check donation requirements as you explore options.
For healthy brains
For those with Alzheimer's or another dementia