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Brain Donation
Who is suitable?
Individuals diagnosed with a memory impairment (or dementia) who are able to attend a BDR centre for annual monitoring with one of our study nurses / psychologists.Individuals who do not have a memory impairment, so called 'normal controls', are particularly welcome, as normal brain tissue is in extremely short supply. Attendance at one of our clinics every 2 years for monitoring of memory, thinking and behaviour is ideal.
People with other conditions affecting the brain are also welcome, as this tissue helps distinguish what makes dementia different from other neurological conditions.
Evaluating memory, thinking and behaviour
This comprises questions and tasks to build a profile of how the brain is functioning over time. For example participants might be asked to name everyday objects, or asked to write a sentence. If applicable, carers may be asked about behaviour and other aspects of daily living. Assessment is carried out in the setting of an informal interview. We aim to minimise inconvenience to participants and appreciate it may not be possible to complete every assessment.Brain donation
Donation involves a limited post mortem examination to allow removal of the brain (and spinal cord), retention and use of the tissue in research as approved by Brains for Dementia Research and the management committee of the Brain Bank holding the tissue.After death the Brain Bank arranges for the body to be temporarily transferred from the funeral directors to the hospital mortuary for removal of the brain. Donation does not interfere with funeral arrangements, neither does it involve the family in additional expense.
We ask all potential brain donors to discuss their wishes and intentions with other family members and complete a form consenting to memory testing during life, and donating the brain after death.
We recognise this is not an easy thing to consider and discuss within the family, and appreciate the effort you are making for dementia research by doing so. However, experience tells us it is much better for other family members to be aware of your wishes, so they know what to do when the time comes.
More detailed information on donation is supplied on request.