We are at an exciting and transformative time in Alzheimer’s and brain disease research. Years of dedicated effort have led to the development of disease-modifying medications that can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and alleviate its debilitating symptoms. Soon, simple blood tests may even detect the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other brain diseases. For those identified as being at risk, early interventions could potentially prevent disease progression and even delay illness altogether.
The Brigham Brain Donation Hub is at the forefront of these breakthroughs, driving advancements that will change lives. With the generosity of donors and their families, the Brigham Brain Donation Hub supports our talented neuroscientists by providing access to essential research tools, particularly brain tissue. This invaluable resource enables research into underlying brain mechanisms and fuels breakthroughs in detection, treatment, prevention, and cures.
Brigham Brain Donation Hub donors and their families are often motivated by personal experiences, such as having a close relative affected by a devastating brain disease. Brain donation decisions are typically based on:
We also encourage healthy individuals to consider brain donations. Comparing healthy brains with diseased ones is important for understanding disease progression.
Planning in advance for a brain donation is helpful as it facilitates smooth coordination and avoids adding potential stress during a loved one’s passing. The enrollment process generally is as follows:
Brain donation does not alter your loved one’s appearance. Your family can still choose to have an open casket viewing if you wish. There is no cost for the brain autopsy, as long as the donor was a patient at Mass General Brigham. However, the family may be responsible for pay for transportation costs and brain removal if the autopsy is performed elsewhere.
Brain tissue is invaluable. We are grateful for every patient and family that considers enrolling a loved one in the Brigham Brain Donation Hub.
To learn more, please reach out to your physician or email us.
Director, Brigham Brain Donation Hub
Assistant Professor of Pathology, Harvard Medical School
Principal Investigator and Neuropathologist, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
See Entire Profile See Entire ProfileVincent and Stella Coates Professor of Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School
Co-Director, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases
See Entire Profile See Entire ProfileAssistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School
Associate Neurologist, Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
See Entire Profile See Entire ProfileClinical Research Coordinator
For over a century, a leader in patient care, medical education and research, with expertise in virtually every specialty of medicine and surgery.
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