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Brain Bank Donation Program
for Parkinson's Disease & Related Disorders

We are currently only enrolling participants to this program who have participated in research.  The Brain Support Network and The Brain Donor Project are alternative resources.

What is the Brain Donation Program?

A partnership between UC San Diego and the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida providing diagnosis and research for those suffering from neurodegenerative disorders.

Dr. Irene Litvan, Director of the Parkinson & Other Movement Disorders Center, has created a partnership between UC San Diego and the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL. This partnership allows patients suffering from neurodegenerative disorders the opportunity to receive a post-mortem brain autopsy and final diagnosis at no charge.

Who Can Donate?

Anyone suffering with a degenerative neurological disorder can donate.

Commonly accepted diagnoses are: Parkinson's disease (PD), Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD), Multiple System Atrophy (MSA or Shy-Drager Syndrome), Vascular Dementia (VaD), Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD).

How to Donate

Enrolling in the Brain Bank Donation Program is easy. Follow the steps below or contact your UCSD Movement Disorder Specialist for help enrolling.

Step 1. Request a Brain Donation Packet. This packet contains all the necessary information and paperwork you will need to help in making this important decision. Contact your UCSD Movement Disorder Specialist for this information or download the packet: CurePSP Brain Tissue Donation Program.

Step 2. Enroll. Register with the Brain Bank:

  1. Complete the questionnaire (pg. 4)
  2. Mail or fax to the Brain Bank Coordinator at the Cure PSP Brain Bank at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fl.

CurePSP Mailing Address:

CurePSP Brain Donation Program for Diagnosis & Research on PSP
Eloise H. Troxel Memorial PSP Brain Bank
4500 San Pablo Road
Jacksonville, Florida 32224

Brain Bank Coordinator at the Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL:

Phone: 904-953-2439 (Weekdays 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. EST)
Fax: 904-953-7117 (available 24/7)

Find a local pathologist

The UC San Diego Parkinson & Other Movement Disorders Center will help local individuals locate a pathologist.

  • Within San Diego County: Contact Lisa Damron at (858) 822-5873 for assistance within San Diego County.
  • Outside the Greater San Diego area: Dennis Dickson, M.D. at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville will help facilitate locating a pathologist for individuals residing outside the Greater San Diego area. Dr. Dickson can be contacted at (904) 953-7137.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. How do I make a decision?

A. Make your decision freely. First, learn as much as you need to know. Discuss the options with the people you trust will follow your wishes. Make your own personal decision and explain that decision to the people you trust.

Q. Who may request an autopsy?

A. Legally, the next-of-kin or guardian is the person who makes the decision. If the spouse is deceased, the oldest child is considered next-of-kin. In some states the deceased may arrange for an autopsy with a living will.

Q. Is a complete autopsy performed?

A. No. In most instances where a degenerative brain disorder is suspected, only brain tissues need to be examined for diagnosis; however, a complete autopsy is often recommended for atypical cases, where examination of the spinal cord, muscle, and nerves may be informative.

Q. Can I have an open casket?

A. Yes. Harvesting brain tissue for diagnosis and research leaves no disfigurement. Only on close inspection would anyone know that an autopsy had been performed.

Q. Are there any religious considerations I need to think about?

A. The majority of the world religions support autopsy if there is a hope that the knowledge gained will improve the lives of others in the future. Many world religions recognize the mandate to health and the call to compassion. This gift of hope may provide relief for those who have symptoms now and may also provide a healthier future for generations to come. Please consult your religious leader to learn how your religion interprets brain donation.

Questions?

Lisa Solomon, Clinical Program Coordinator
Parkinson & Other Movement Disorders Center
UC San Diego
858-822-5873
ldamron@ucsd.edu