Supporting Alzheimer’s Research through Brain Tissue Donation

If you are thinking of a unique way to support Alzheimer’s and dementia research, consider brain tissue donation.  Much of the research into Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia relies on a thorough examination of donated brain tissue following the death of a person with the disease.   Examining the brain tissue allows scientists greater insight into the causes of the disease and the disease process.  It also allows scientists to observe the effects of current treatments for the disease.  It is important to note that brain tissue rapidly deteriorates immediately following death.  If you or your loved one is interested in brain tissue donation, have the discussion with your family members and your physician about autopsy arrangements.  Also note that researchers are also accepting brain tissue donations from persons not affected by any degenerative neurological diseases.  To find out more about brain tissue donation, go to www.alzforum.org.  There you will find a listing of brain tissue research institutes by state.