Information for Donors and Families

We are asking you to take part in a research program because donating your or your loved one’s brain tissue will provide one of the most meaningful resources to help us advance our knowledge of neurological diseases and aging and aid biomedical research. Brain donation helps researchers better understand the causes of and treatment options for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. A single donated brain can provide resources for hundreds of research studies. In this way, it provides a gift of hope to future generations at risk of developing dementia.

All research projects seeking to use your loved one’s brain tissue will undergo ethical review by the Yale Institutional Review Board (IRB) committee. Only qualified researchers and scientists receiving an IRB approval will be allowed to use your loved one’s brain tissue for research. No personal/identifying information but will ever be shared.

Families who request will receive a full report on the type and levels of pathology in their loved one's brain and gain insights into how these brain changes may have contributed to dementia. Researchers will gain a better understanding of the relationship between clinical test results, fluid and imaging biomarkers, and the brain changes detected in the donated tissue. These insights enable scientists to constantly test new ideas and advance discovery that may one day result in effective therapies.

Deciding to donate your brain can be difficult. Start thinking about brain donation early so that you have plenty of time to consider whether it's right for you. Your decision might require more than one conversation with your family and/or doctor. You may want to consider:

Conclusive diagnosis — Some lab and imaging tests can help your doctor/neurologist see biological signs of the disease in a living person. However, by examining the brain after death under a microscope, signs of Alzheimer's disease, such as amyloid plaque and tau tangles, or other brain diseases can be identified. Many families find that a confirmed diagnosis provides closure and resolution.
Advancing science, offering hope — Your donated brain will help researchers better understand normal aging as well as the causes of and treatment options for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Removal of the brain and other tissue will NOT interfere with funeral arrangements. The Center for Human Brain Discovery will pay for all expenses involved with the brain autopsy and donation, including transportation to and from the donation site.

To learn more about brain tissue donation, please fill out this form and we will get back to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is tissue needed for scientific research?: Donation of your or your loved one’s brain tissue will provide one of the most meaningful resources to help us advance our knowledge of neurological diseases and aging. Brain donation helps researchers better understand the causes of and treatment options for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. One donated brain can provide resources for hundreds of research studies. In this way, it provides a gift of hope to future generations at risk of developing dementia.
When should plans be made for possible brain and tissue donation?: Coping with care for a loved one nearing the end of life is not easy. Making plans in advance as much as possible is still painful, but is easier than waiting until the last-minute. Our goal is to make the brain donation proceed smoothly. Contacting us through this form will allow us to help you through the planning steps
Will my (donor’s) family receive a diagnostic autopsy report?: Yes, families who request will receive a brain autopsy report (typically within three months) on the type and levels of pathology in their loved one's brain and gain insights into how these brain changes may have contributed to his/her clinical decline.
Who is paying for the study?: Center for Human Brain Discovery and Department of Pathology. There will be no cost to you.
Has the Center for Human Brain Discovery received approval from Yale’s Institutional Review Board?: Yes, this research study has been approved by Yale’s Institutional Review Board.
Will my loved one’s health data be shared?: Never. Your loved one’s confidentiality will be respected at all times. De-identified information about the donor’s clinical and neurologic history will be associated with his/her brain tissue, but no information that discloses his/her identity will be released or published.