Medical research performed today will save lives tomorrow. The Garrison Institute
on Aging (GIA) is actively engaged in cutting-edge medical research to discover the
causes of, and develop treatments for, diseases of the brain. First and foremost,
among these disorders is Alzheimer’s disease. Research efforts to understand Alzheimer’s,
as well as other diseases of the brain, require the use of human brain tissue obtained
at autopsy. In 2007, GIA initiated a brain donation program to provide this vital
resource. Autopsies from both individuals with and without dementia provide brain
tissue that is urgently needed.
Another important reason the Brain Bank program was developed to provide diagnostic
information to families. Although a neurologist can clinically diagnose Alzheimer’s
disease with a high degree of accuracy, a brain autopsy is the only definitive way
to confirm the disease. The findings of a brain autopsy can shed light on the types,
severity and complexity of dementia. Many families find the autopsy helps them in
coping and understanding their loved one’s battle with dementia and may answer many
of their lingering questions.
Brain Bank
Enrollment Process
Enrolling in the GIA Brain Bank program takes time and planning. Arrangements should
be made in advance to make this process easy and convenient for everyone involved.
If you are considering enrolling yourself or a family member into the program, contact
Ruben Gonzales at 806-743-2408. You will be mailed a GIA Brain Bank enrollment packet
and a staff member will guide you through the process and assist in completing the
necessary forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The procedure does not leave any noticeable marks. An open casket funeral service is possible.
Brain Bank autopsy procedure must be performed within the first 8 hours after death. With preplanning and careful coordination, there should be no delays for the funeral service.
You do not have to tell anyone if you do not wish to do so. Only upon close inspection would anyone know an autopsy has been performed.
The person’s legal next of kin must authorize the autopsy before the procedure can be performed.
The brain removal itself takes approximately 30 minutes. Round-trip transportation of the deceased from the necessary locations can take more time.
The report will be sent to whom the legal next of kin identifies on our form.
A report usually is available six to nine months after the date of death and will list the findings and provide a brief discussion of the neuropathologic diagnosis. GIA staff will be available to answer and discuss the findings within the report.
Keep the report in a safe place for future reference, as this is now part of your family’s medical history.
No. The GIA Brain Bank covers all expenses related to the autopsy.
The tissue samples collected will be used and shared with scientists involved in research that may lead to improved understanding of aging and advances in the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
No. Brain donations are needed from individuals who have no dementia as well. Just as it is important to study the diseased tissue, .it is equally important to study tissue that is non-demented Studying and comparing the two tissues may assist in determining which changes within the brain are related to the disease and which are due to normal aging.
Got Questions?
We're here to help. Contact us if you have questions.
Ruben Gonzales
806.743.2408
ruben.gonzales@ttuhsc.edu
3601 4th Street, Room 4A 124
Lubbock, TX 79430