Brain Donation
One donated brain can make a huge impact, potentially providing information for hundreds of research studies to better understand Alzheimer's and dementia. Our team of neuropathologists maintains a state-of-the-art Alzheimer's brain bank with well-characterized cases from our longitudinal study cohort. Many neurodegenerative diseases can only be conclusively made by examining post-mortem brain tissue to identify the characteristic pathological proteins.
Autopsy provides valuable information that can educate and enlighten families, physicians, and researchers, who are working to discover more reliable tests for ADRD. The autopsy results of participants who have been followed over time at our SMADRC are especially valuable because, in conjunction with the substantial treatment and care histories that are collected, researchers can obtain information essential to the search for effective treatments for AD. This research will contribute to our eventual understanding of the chain of events that leads to AD and related dementias.
What Should I Know About Brain Donation?
- Brain autopsy information packet (PDF) includes reasons to donate, FAQ about brain donation, and other details that can assist with the decision making process about how brain donation may impact your end of life planning.
What Is the Brain Donation Process?
The SMADRC has a Brain Autopsy Program for enrolled research participants. This enables our researchers to corroborate neuropathological findings with clinical data gathered during research participation. We are unable to accept brain donations from persons not enrolled in our studies unless they are pre-consented clinical patients referred by one of our SMADRC neurologists.
To report the passing of an enrolled participant, call to activate the autopsy process.
- During regular business hours M-F, 8-4pm call the ADRC Main Number at 858-822-4800
- On weekends and after hours, call the UCSD operator to reach the doctor on call. The number is 619-543-6737. Tell the operator that you are calling about a brain autopsy for the Shiley-Marcos Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Longitudinal Study and Jeff Matcalf is the technician on call.
IF you are an enrolled participant and want to speak with the ADRC autopsy coordinator in anticipation of a participant's passing or for more information about our procedures and processes. You can call the ADRC during regular business hours to speak to the SMADRC brain donation study coordinator.
Resources for More Information about Brain Donation
Shiley-Marcos ADRC Specific Resources
- Brain autopsy information packet (PDF)
- Learn more about the SMADRC Brain Autopsy Program in this video from our neuropathologists, Dr. David Coughlin and Dr. Vanessa Goodwill.
- Dr. Morlett and Mariana Perez converse about brain donation to explore the truth around some frequently asked questions and common misperceptions.
Additional Resources About Brain Donation
- Why should you donate your brain to science?
- NIA video about brain donation
End of Life Planning Resources
Autopsy Contact Card
For those honoring the wishes of a research participant who consented to brain donation
For more information contact:
Business Hours Phone: 858-822-4800After Hours: 619-543-6737