Human Brain Donation

Brain donations support science

Access to human brain tissue is essential for supporting research into brain function, neurological disease, and to develop better treatments for conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, depression, addiction, and more.

Human brain research at Allen Institute

At Allen Institute, a non-profit bioscience research organization in Seattle, Washington, donated brain tissue is used to build detailed atlases of brain cell types, map neural circuits, uncover the biological basis of cognition and behavior, and more. Some donated brain tissue continues to yield insights decades after donation, underscoring their enduring scientific value.

Read on to explore how brain donations support research at Allen Institute and learn about opportunities for brain donation across the United States.

The Brain Map Study

The Brain Map Study is a partnership between the University of Washington and the Allen Institute to create a detailed map of the human brain. This map will give scientists a powerful tool to study the brain’s 200 billion cells and advance research into treatments for brain diseases and injuries.

You may qualify if you:

Are 18 or older
Have a life-limiting illness
Live within 3 hours of Seattle
Are fluent in English
Are interested in brain donation

Interested in volunteering:

Reach out directly to the UW Brain Map team to learn more about this program.

206-744-5079
brainmap@uw.edu

UW Brain Map Website

Alzheimer’s disease research

Through the Seattle Alzheimer’s Disease Brain Cell Atlas consortium (SEA-AD), our scientists are studying disease progression at the cellular and molecular level. This research, made possible through generous post-mortem human brain donations, is bringing us closer to treatments that could slow or even stop Alzheimer’s devastating effects.

Two ways to participate:

Adult changes in thought study (ACT)

The ACT Study explores aging, memory, and dementia to better understand, prevent, and treat Alzheimer’s and related conditions. Conducted by Kaiser Permanente Washington and the University of Washington.

Alzheimer’s disease research center (ADRC)

The University of Washington ADRC is part of a nationwide network of research centers funded by the National Institute on Aging to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Neurosurgical collaboration

Through a unique collaboration between Allen Institute and Seattle-area neurosurgeons, patients can donate healthy brain tissue that needs to be removed during planned surgeries to treat epilepsy or brain tumors or other conditions requiring resection. These tissues, which would otherwise be discarded, are quickly transported from the operating room to Allen Institute laboratories, with patient consent, to advance human brain research.

Researchers study this brain tissue to examine the electrical properties, gene transcript, and shape of human brain cells as part of our effort to characterize and understand the parts-list of the brain: its cells.

Learn more

Brain donation in the United States

Anyone over 18 years old may choose to donate their brain after death to support scientific research. Unlike organ donation, brain donation requires separate arrangements, planning and enrollment in a nearby study or brain bank.

The Brain Donor Project is a good resource for connecting donors with brain banks or research groups in their area. National Institute on Aging-funded Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers have brain donation programs located across the U.S. for eligible study participants. Whether you live with a neurological condition or have a healthy brain, this profound and generous act can support dozens of studies.

How post-mortem brain donation works

Enrollment: You’ll join a study or register with a brain bank, then fill out a consent form that explains how your brain will be used and how your identity will be protected.
Planning: You and your family will receive clear instructions on what to do when the time comes. This often includes calling a transportation service that works with the research team.
Collection: After death, the brain is collected quickly –ideally within 12 hours or less – to preserve tissue quality. The donor is then transported to the funeral home or crematorium of the family’s choice.
Ongoing Impact: Donated brain tissue can be studied and support neuroscience research for decades.

Want to learn more?

If you’re considering brain donation, we encourage you to:

Inform your family

Talk with your family about your wishes and what they’ll need to do to ensure your brain donation is honored.

Reach out

Reach out to a local brain bank or research study like the UW Brain Map Study.

Explore

Explore national programs like the Brain Donor Project. Or Seattle-area programs including Brain Donation at UW.