Brain Donation
One donation can provide insight into hundreds of research studies for the 50 million people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.
When a person chooses brain donation, they are choosing to help find better ways to diagnose and treat the 50 million people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Some of the most exciting advances and discoveries come from studying brain tissue, which is why we need your help.
Families receive a definitive diagnosis
Details of the donor’s medical history are collected and a careful examination of the donation is performed. A neuropathology report will then be sent to families on the type and levels of pathology found, helping family members assess their risks for developing dementia or other neurologic diseases.
Anyone can donate
People who do not exhibit memory loss or other cognitive problems can also choose brain donation to help advance research. Brains without disease help us determine which changes in the brain are from normal aging and what makes some individuals resistant to diseases like Alzheimer’s. No referrals are needed to donate.
Free brain donation arrangements
Brain donation comes at no cost to the family and will not delay funeral arrangements. Our team at the Biggs Institute will work with family members to make all necessary arrangements for transportation and donation. Brain donation is a decision that should be discussed with family members. We are here to help you with these important conversations. For more information, contact us at 210-450-8423 or BrainBank@uthscsa.edu.
How to donate
To enroll in our brain donation program, contacts us at 210-450-8423 or BrainBank@uthscsa.edu to inform us of your intent to donate. Then download and complete our questionnaire and consent form.
You may email the completed consent form to BrainBank@uthscsa.edu or mail the form to: Biggs Institute Brain Bank, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, TX 78229.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read our most asked questions about donation.
For more information or to sign up to donate:
Contact 210-450-8423 or BrainBank@uthscsa.edu
When the time comes to donate, call the 24/7 donation phone number at 210-258-4348.
Paul began experiencing dementia symptoms in his late 50’s. Shortly after he died at age 65, his mother died exhibiting dementia symptoms. The family chose to donate their brains to research to learn more.
“Whatever was going on in the brain was hidden to the rest of us,” said Paul’s wife, Michelle. “It is a bit of resolution, and this is the only way to get it,” she added. “It is a conclusive way to know what happened in some form because we do not know why it happened, but we know what happened.”
