The Brigham Brain Donation Hub

Advancing Research in Alzheimer's and Brain Diseases

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.

Why Choose Brain Donation?

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:

• Opportunity for a definitive diagnosis. Some brain diseases, like Alzheimer’s, require an autopsy for diagnosis, which is the examination of the brain after death. Following the autopsy, the donor’s family will receive a diagnosis through a neuropathology report.
• Tissue research provides insights beyond what can be learned from clinical records alone. Care at Brigham and Women’s Hospital includes ongoing clinical tests to track changes in memory, cognition, language, and behavior. Brain donations allow scientists to study the relationship between cognitive tests and changes in brain tissue. This research enhances our understanding of disease progression and potential treatment options, particularly as treatment options continue to evolve.
• Sense of comfort and pride. Brain donation is one of the most precious gifts a patient and their family can give toward biomedical research.

We also encourage healthy individuals to consider brain donations. Comparing healthy brains with diseased ones is important for understanding disease progression.

How to Participate

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:

• The patient’s physician can provide you with information about the Brigham Brain Donation Hub. From there, our clinical research coordinator will reach out to gather additional information about the patient.
• Your intentions will be shared with the patient’s nursing home, other caregivers, and the funeral home.
• Upon the patient’s passing, the assigned next of kin or health care provider will contact the designated physician at the Brigham Brain Donation Hub. Final consent is obtained, and logistical details are arranged.
• The funeral home typically transports your loved one to the Brigham, and after the autopsy, returns them promptly to the funeral home.

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.

Contact Us

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.

Meet Our Team