Science needs you

Be the brain behind the breakthrough

Yours can be the brain that makes a difference—whether you have a neurologic disorder or a healthy brain. Scientists need this valuable tissue and there is no cost to you or your family to leave this precious gift.

Learn more about how it works

Why brain donation?

Nearly one in three people worldwide are affected by a neurologic disorder

Diagnoses of dementia and traumatic brain injuries are rising at alarming rates; addiction is a tragic epidemic, and serious mental illness is crushing our families. Additionally, our chances of developing a brain disorder increases drastically with age - and we are living longer than ever.

Donated brain tissue for neurologic study is critically needed to identify treatments and cures for all kinds of diseases and conditions affecting the brain. One brain can provide tissue for dozens - sometimes hundreds of studies. An individual brain donation is a highly valuable gift that almost anyone can make.

Become a Brain Donor

Five  Facts

that you must know about brain donation

Organ donation does not include brain donation

Just because you've elected to be an organ donor does not mean you are going to be a brain donor. Separate arrangements need to be made.

Body donation is not the same as brain donation

Anatomical body donation does not mean your brain will be used for neurologic research. Again, separate arrangements must be made.

Healthy brains are needed, too

Diseased brains are not the only ones needed. So-called “control brains” are necessary in every single study.

Brain donation is not disfiguring

An open casket is still an option.

There are no additional costs to family

Donating your brain to the NIH/NBB comes with no monetary cost.

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Inspired By One Man's Gift

The Brain Donor Project is the legacy of Gene Armentrout, who died in March 2015 from Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). When his family learned more about LBD and the need for brain donation to find answers for neurologic disease, The Brain Donor Project was born.

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January 6, 2025

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