Brain donation is the most precious and valuable gift that a patient and family can give, with unique benefits. A brain autopsy provides a family with a definitive neuropathological diagnosis of a loved one and an explanation of the symptoms. Importantly, the samples allow researchers to study the link between brain aging and neurodegeneration, and to perform analyses that will identify molecular targets for early detection, treatments, and cures. Please see the below options for brain donation and autopsy services.
Brain Donation to the UW Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (requires participation in the ADRC Clinical Core)
The UW ADRC primarily accepts brain donations from currently enrolled ADRC research participants and a limited number of non-ADRC research subjects.
For help in determining your eligibility, please contact the Keene research lab (uwnp@uw.edu)
Non-Research Brain Autopsy Inquiries
Visit the UW Medicine Pathology Brain Autopsy page for information on how to arrange a brain autopsy for postmortem characterization of various neurological diseases, done on a case-by-case basis by the UW Neuropathology lab.
For questions, please contact the Keene research lab (uwnp@uw.edu)
For members of the public interested in brain donation for research, please explore these further options:
Military Veterans
The Pacific Northwest Brain Donor Network
The UW ADRC Neuropathology Core runs a brain bank with the goal of helping researchers to understand the impact of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) on active-duty military members and veterans. Veterans can begin helping now by enrolling today, even though the tissue donation may occur many years from now.
Families and military veterans interested in the Pacific Northwest Brain Donor Network, please contact our staff at uwnp@uw.edu.
If you would like to make a financial gift to help the ADRC sustain this unique brain donor network, please visit our donations page and include a note about your specific interest in the ADRC Neuropathology Core.
Support Us
If you would like to make a financial gift to help the ADRC sustain brain banking, please visit our Donations page and include a note about your specific interest in the ADRC Neuropathology Core.
