Brain Donation
A Definitive Diagnosis for Families and Insight for Life-Saving Research
Only when a brain is donated can we answer many important questions asked by scientists and family members.
A donation allows our team to carefully examine the tissue under a microscope to identify the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease and signs of other types of dementia.
These findings, explaining the type and levels of pathology, are then sent to families in a neuropathology report, helping them assess their risks for developing dementia or other neurological diseases.
Everyone Can Donate-No Referrals Needed
People who do not exhibit memory loss or other cognitive problems can also donate and contribute to this life-saving research. Brains without disease help us learn more about changes in the brain from normal aging and why some individuals are resistant to diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Free Donation Arrangements
Working with the donor’s family, we coordinate all necessary transportation and donation arrangements at no financial cost to the family and with no delay to funeral arrangements.
Brain donation is a decision that should be discussed with family members. We are here to help you with these conversations. For more information, contact us at 210-450-8423 or BrainBank@uthscsa.edu
Donation Process
From enrollment to donation and answers to families and research, our donation process occurs in six steps.
1. Enrollment
Enroll by completing our questionnaire and consent form by e-mail or mail prior to death or no later than 24 hours after death.
2. Donation
When death appears to be imminent or within one hour of death, call our 24/7 donation phone number at 210-258-4348.
3. The Donation is Processed
The donation is thoughtfully collected by our team at the funeral home of the family’s choice.
4. Autopsy
The autopsy is performed, and the tissue is stored in our state-of-the-art controlled setting at the Biggs Institute.
5. Families Receive Reports
Designated recipients receive brain autopsy results. (This may take up to a year.)
6. Answers to Research
Brain tissue is available to qualified scientists across the country for life-saving research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any financial expenses for me or my family to donate?
Brain donation is free. There are no financial costs for the patient or family to donate.
Our team at the Biggs Institute will work with family members to make all necessary arrangements for transportation and donation.
Will donation delay funeral arrangements?
Brain donation does not affect or delay funeral arrangements.
Removal is performed carefully and respectfully by an experienced professional and does not interfere with plans for open casket viewing or cremation.
Is brain donation against my religion?
According to the National Institute on Aging, most religions view organ donation as valuable to society and believe that donating an organ is a personal decision.
For questions that are specific to your faith, we encourage you to contact a leader in your religion directly.
What if I no longer wish to donate after enrolling?
If for any reason you feel brain donation is not right for you or your family, call us at 210-258-4348 to cancel your donation at any time.