How Can Brain Donation & A Brain Autopsy Help Future Family Members?

A brain autopsy will confirm the diagnosis of Alzheimer disease and Parkinson pathology. Psychiatric diseases often have overlapping pathology with neurodegenerative disease as patients age.

Verification of a particular diagnosis allows researchers to assess the possibility of genetic transmission of these disorders and can help determine the risk of a relative being affected by the disease.

Legally, the brain autopsy must be requested by the next-of-kin or guardian if prior arrangements before death do not exist. Being a registered brain donor before death greatly facilitates the process.

A brain autopsy will not delay or complicate the family’s plans for a funeral, cremation, or burial.  In addition, a brain autopsy will not in any way interfere with a family’s desire for an open casket funeral.

The brain autopsy should be performed within 12 hours from the time of death in order to maximize the research value.  It is essential for the hospital, hospice care or nursing home staff to notify the Brain Endowment Bank™ immediately following death at 1-800-UM-BRAIN or (305) 432-6785.  Staff will respond to the call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Costs incurred for transportation of the deceased to the designated pathologist and the cost incurred for brain removal will be the responsibility of the Brain Endowment Bank™.  Funeral expenses remain the responsibility of the family. A brain donation does not incur any additional costs for the family.

A neuropathology report of the final diagnosis will be mailed to the family usually within 4-6 months.