UC Davis Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Brain Donation Program
What is the purpose of the Brain Donation Program?
The purpose of the brain donation program is to help us understand and develop preventative therapies for, and hopefully cure, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias for future generations. When a research participant donates their brain, we combine information gleaned from their donation with their annual cognitive assessment data. We use this combined data set to help us with our research, teach clinicians about the progression of the disease and provide families with information regarding findings from brain autopsy.
Why is brain donation important?
Brain donation contributes to finding better treatment options for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Each brain gives enough tissue to run hundreds of research studies. Brain donation allows potential donors and their loved ones to provide a gift of hope to future generations for anyone who has developed, or may one day develop, Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
Alzheimer's disease progresses differently in each person, so it is valuable to receive brain donations from individuals across different ethnicities. For example, the disease affects persons who identify as African American and Latino at a higher rate than those who identify as non-Hispanic white.
Participation for brain autopsy is lower among African Americans and Latinos as they are still underrepresented in research. Receiving brain donations from underserved populations will help researchers identify unique factors that are associated with Alzheimer's and related dementias.
Who can participate in the Brain Donation Program?
Participants are enrolled through the UC Davis Alzheimer's Disease Research Center's longitudinal research program or other research programs at the center. Please check with the research team about brain donation.
How can I become a participant at the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center?
Participation at the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center entails diagnostic evaluation, cognitive assessments, brain imaging, and other measurement tools. The collection of this data combined with brain donation enables researchers to learn more about the progression of the disease and develop new prevention and treatment therapies. Please contact either the UC Davis Alzheimer's Disease Research Center in Sacramento at 916-734-5496 or Walnut Creek at 925-357-6515 to learn more.
What to expect after enrolling in Brain Donation Program at the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
- Step 1: At the time of the donor’s death, a family member, hospice coordinator, or hospital staff should call 510-519-7662 to report the death if in the Bay Area. For donors in the Greater Sacramento Metropolitan Area and Northern California, please call 916-778-6120 to report death. These numbers are staffed seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
- Step 2: A driver will be dispatched to pick up the donor and transport them to the facility where the brain will be removed and processed.
- Step 3: After the brain is removed, the body will be transported to the location designated by the donor’s representatives.
- Step 4: The brain along with other medical data and measurements will be used in determining the final autopsy report.
- Step 5: The donor’s family will receive a pathology report and letter from the Neurologist explaining the brain autopsy findings.
For patients residing out of state, individual arrangements with qualified professionals are made.
Are there any costs associated with the program?
There is no cost for donating your brain for the autopsy. The UC Davis Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center covers these expenses including transportation through research grants.
Who can give consent for brain donation?
The participant can provide consent to donate their brain for research. If the participant is unable to do so themselves, consent can be given by the next of kin.
Will brain donation affect funeral arrangements?
The procedure does not cause a delay in funeral plans and it does not interfere with traditional or religious arrangements such as an open casket funeral. The brain autopsy is performed carefully and results in minimal or no visible or physical alterations to the body. We encourage families to discuss with their funeral director about making prearrangements for the funeral.
Can I still donate my brain even if I do not have any memory impairment?
Absolutely. It is valuable to study the brains of individuals who do not have cognitive impairment. Cognitively healthy brains are equally important to research because it will help us determine which processes and changes in the brain are associated with normal aging and which changes are specifically associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Will my decision to donate be compatible with my religion?
While many religious beliefs may influence attitudes toward brain donation, most religions allow and support brain donation. It is also important to discuss the decision with your family.
We encourage participants to consult with their spiritual advisor if they need additional guidance in their decision to donate or have any questions.
Who should I inform about my decision to donate?
It is important to inform your family of your decision to participate in the brain donation program and plans for your end-of-life decision. Discussion with your loved ones about your decision is an important part of the process because it ensures that they can fulfill and honor your final wishes. We strongly encourage you to provide them information about the donation process, so they know what to do when the time comes.
What if I no longer wish to participate in the brain donation program?
If you want to make a change in your decision, please contact our Brain Autopsy Coordinator: Kimberly Pipe at 916-703-0276
Can I participate in both the UC Davis Body Donation Program and the UC Davis Alzheimer’s Center Brain Donation Program?
Yes, you can. Please advise us if you are enrolled in the UC Davis Body Donation Program.
What if I am interested in brain donation, but I am not enrolled in the UC Davis Alzheimer’s Center?
Please reach out to these trusted brain donation centers.