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I know many of you donate blood regularly. And even more of you checked the box on your driver’s license application showing your wish to be an organ donor. But have you ever thought about donating your brain for medical research?
Why would anybody want my brain?
A variety of scans done on living people provide a great deal of insight into the mysteries of the human brain. Yet, there’s nothing else as valuable as the ability to study an actual human brain. These studies lead to significant breakthroughs in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide variety of neurological diseases.
Surprisingly, the greatest need right now is for normal, healthy brains. While scientists learn a great deal from brains affected by diseases, they also need healthy brains for comparison to produce a valid research study. Sadly, some critical research studies must be delayed because of a lack of donated brains.
Almost anybody can be a brain donor. Anyone over the age of 18 can sign up, and a parent or guardian can register a child under the age of 18. That being said, there are some situations— such as a massive stroke—where the brain is too severely damaged for accurate research.
Before we die
There are several brain banks throughout the United States. While you’re not required to register with a brain bank in advance, it’s a good idea. This allows you to select the brain bank that is doing the type of research that’s of particular interest to you. This includes autism, mood disorders, concussions, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and hundreds more.
Often, people think if you check the organ donor box on your driver’s license, then you need not do anything else to donate your brain. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. The driver’s license box applies to organs and tissues donated for transplant to living people upon your death; it doesn’t include the donation of a brain for research.
Be sure to let your family know about your decision in advance. It may be stressful for them if they find out about this plan after you die, especially if they don’t understand the process.
It’s also important to notify your medical provider and funeral home of your wishes. Brain tissue breaks down quickly, so you want the donation process to move rapidly after you die.
At the time of death
The brain bank will request consent from your next of kin for the donation of your brain, as well as for access to your medical records. They also may ask your family to complete a questionnaire regarding your history. All information is kept in the strictest confidence and used for research purposes only.
After transportation to a local mortuary or medical facility, a pathologist removes your brain. Only the brain is removed; the appearance of your body is maintained. This means that your family can proceed with a regular open casket funeral if desired.
The brain bank pays for the removal of your brain and transporting it to the brain bank facility. There is no financial benefit to donating your brain. Your family receives no payment, and they will need to pay for a funeral or cremation as usual.
The benefit to you and your family is the satisfaction of knowing that you’re making a positive difference in the lives of people affected by neurological disorders.
After arrival at the brain bank
Scientists analyze and then preserve your brain, so it will be available when needed for an appropriate research study. Most times, a single brain provides samples for over a hundred different studies.
Often, your family can request a detailed report of any identified brain pathology. This becomes especially valuable when there are questions about hereditary brain conditions.
After they preserve it, there is no specific time limit for how long they can store the tissue. Tissue that is no longer needed is incinerated, much like what is done to an organ removed during surgery.
Are you ready to learn more? Simply contact the Brain Donor Project. This arm of the National Institutes of Health serves as a centralized site for brain donation information. I also highly encourage you to watch this TEDx video about the project. (Please note that this video contains an image of an actual human brain.)
Have you signed up as a brain donor? I would love it if you shared your thoughts with our readers.
Looking for other opportunities to give a priceless gift? Check out these articles:
Angie says
So, what do they do with your brain when they’re done using it for research?
Diane says
That’s a great question, Angie. I’ll add this information to the post.