Uncovering the mysteries of Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a complex neurological condition affecting nearly one million people in the U.S.

How brain donation can help Parkinson’s disease researchers

Approximately one million people are living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in the U.S. It’s a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects older adults (average age around 60 years old), although it can appear earlier (known as early-onset PD). It results from the gradual degeneration of nerve cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra, which is crucial for controlling movement. This degeneration leads to a shortage of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps coordinate smooth and controlled movements.

Parkinson’s disease leads to a range of motor symptoms, including tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement) that can interfere with daily activities, making it challenging to perform tasks such as dressing, eating, and walking. Many also experience non-motor symptoms like depression, anxiety, and cognitive changes, which can significantly affect mental health and overall quality of life.

While the exact cause of Parkinson’s disease isn’t fully understood, it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Brain donation plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of Parkinson's disease and improving treatments.

By examining brain tissues of individuals who had Parkinson’s disease, researchers can study how the disease affects the brain at a cellular and molecular level, including the loss of dopamine-producing neurons. Scientists can also track how the disease progresses and identify potential early markers or changes that occur before symptoms appear. Lastly, brain donation allows researchers to assess how well new treatments are working by comparing brain tissues from treated and untreated individuals, which can provide insights into the effectiveness of therapies and inform adjustments to treatment protocols.

Scientists need this precious resource to unlock the mystery of Parkinson’s disease – and other neurological disorders.

Consider donating your brain to neuroscience research to help future generations

Here’s how it works:

Register In Advance

Complete the online form here. Your brain bank will send consent forms and request additional information directly from you.

Inform Your Loved Ones

Talk about your decision and desire to donate your brain to neuroscience when you pass. Your family will need to play an important role in ensuring your wishes are carried out promptly.

Notify Your Brain Bank

Your family will contact the brain bank immediately upon your death. The brain bank will make arrangements for the brain to be removed (respectfully from the back of the head so it is not disfiguring) typically at the family’s funeral home. There is no cost to the family.

Benefit From Your Gift

If requested your family may receive a Summary of Neuropathological findings about your brain. Even more importantly, so many families tell us it helps them heal knowing that science will be advanced with this valuable brain tissue.

Not ready to pre-register yet?

What others have said about pre-registering:

“My husband was diagnosed with PD after years of trial and error tests and consults from multiple specialists. He asked me if I was OK with him donating his brain – told me he wanted to help the next generation of PD sufferers prevent, or at least better diagnose and manage, the illness. I am glad and grateful I followed his wishes. – Wife of brain donor, H.H.

“Why donate my brain? WHY NOT! After I’m gone, I will still do something to help other people and I don’t have to do anything but SIGN UP! – Registered donor, L.M.

Common Questions

How can brain donation help those suffering from Parkinson’s Disease?

Breakthroughs in brain disease depend on studies using donated post-mortem human brain tissue. Since one brain can provide tissue for dozens – sometimes hundreds – of neurological studies, an individual brain donation is a highly valuable gift that almost anyone can make

Do I need to have a brain disorder, like Parkinson’s, to donate my brain?

No. Organ donation and brain donation are separate matters. An organ donor designation on a driver’s license does not include brain donation. Depending on the circumstances of death, it may be possible to donate organs for transplant as well as the brain for scientific research. If this is the case, the recovery teams will coordinate so that both kinds of donations can take place. Separate registrations for both organ donation and brain donation should be completed, if the intention is to donate both.

I’m already an organ donor. Does this include my brain?

Pre-register today—it’s a no brainer.

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