Brain Donation at the Cleveland Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
A Meaningful Gift for Future Generations
Choosing to donate brain tissue is a deeply personal decision that often involves thoughtful discussion between individuals, families, and care providers. Brain donation plays a critical role in advancing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia research — helping scientists better understand disease causes, progression, and potential treatments.
The Cleveland Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (CADRC) strongly encourages brain donation from individuals enrolled in our research program. Participation is always voluntary, and our team is available to support you and your family throughout the decision-making process.
If you have questions about CADRC enrollment or brain donation, please contact our staff at any time.
Brain Donation at the Cleveland Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
A Meaningful Gift for Future Generations
Choosing to donate brain tissue is a deeply personal decision that often involves thoughtful discussion between individuals, families, and care providers. Brain donation plays a critical role in advancing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia research — helping scientists better understand disease causes, progression, and potential treatments.
The Cleveland Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (CADRC) strongly encourages brain donation from individuals enrolled in our research program. Participation is always voluntary, and our team is available to support you and your family throughout the decision-making process.
If you have questions about CADRC enrollment or brain donation, please contact our staff at any time.
Family Experiences with Brain Donation
Many families find comfort in hearing from others who have chosen brain donation as part of their loved one’s research journey. These personal stories highlight the impact of donation on future research and the sense of meaning it can bring during a difficult time.
The production of these educational videos was supported by Grant No. 1P30AG062428 from the National Institute on Aging (NIA). The content is the responsibility of the CADRC and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIA.
A Look Inside the Brain Donation Process
FAQs About Brain Donation
Families should contact the CADRC immediately at the time of death. Our staff will guide you through the next steps and coordinate all necessary arrangements.
Costs related to the autopsy and transportation associated with brain donation are covered by the research program. Families are not responsible for these expenses.
Yes. Cremation is fully compatible with brain donation.
Yes. Brain donation does not interfere with the ability to have an open-casket service.
There are no physical risks to the donor. Brain donation takes place after death and does not cause pain or suffering.
Donated brain tissue is carefully examined and used for approved research studies aimed at improving diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. All tissue is handled respectfully and according to strict ethical and scientific standards.
No. Participation in the brain donation program does not affect your clinical care, treatment decisions, or relationship with your healthcare providers.
Brain donation is essential for confirming diagnoses and advancing scientific understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Studying brain tissue allows researchers to examine disease changes that cannot be fully understood through imaging or clinical testing alone.
The autopsy is performed at a qualified medical facility arranged by the CADRC in coordination with the family and funeral home.
The procedure is typically completed within a few hours and does not delay funeral or memorial plans.
Yes. After the autopsy, the body is promptly returned to the funeral home selected by the family.
Families may request general information about findings. Individual research results are typically not diagnostic or clinical in nature, but the CADRC team can explain what information may be shared.
In rare cases — such as unexpected circumstances at the time of death — tissue donation may not be possible. Our team will communicate openly with families if this occurs.
You may withdraw from the brain donation program at any time. Participation is always voluntary.
The primary focus is brain tissue. Additional tissues may be collected only if relevant to approved research and with appropriate consent.
In many cases, yes. The CADRC team will discuss logistics and feasibility based on location at the time of enrollment.
FAQs About Brain Donation
Families should contact the CADRC immediately at the time of death. Our staff will guide you through the next steps and coordinate all necessary arrangements.
Costs related to the autopsy and transportation associated with brain donation are covered by the research program. Families are not responsible for these expenses.
Yes. Cremation is fully compatible with brain donation.
Yes. Brain donation does not interfere with the ability to have an open-casket service.
There are no physical risks to the donor. Brain donation takes place after death and does not cause pain or suffering.
Donated brain tissue is carefully examined and used for approved research studies aimed at improving diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. All tissue is handled respectfully and according to strict ethical and scientific standards.
No. Participation in the brain donation program does not affect your clinical care, treatment decisions, or relationship with your healthcare providers.
Brain donation is essential for confirming diagnoses and advancing scientific understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Studying brain tissue allows researchers to examine disease changes that cannot be fully understood through imaging or clinical testing alone.
The autopsy is performed at a qualified medical facility arranged by the CADRC in coordination with the family and funeral home.
The procedure is typically completed within a few hours and does not delay funeral or memorial plans.
Yes. After the autopsy, the body is promptly returned to the funeral home selected by the family.
Families may request general information about findings. Individual research results are typically not diagnostic or clinical in nature, but the CADRC team can explain what information may be shared.
In rare cases — such as unexpected circumstances at the time of death — tissue donation may not be possible. Our team will communicate openly with families if this occurs.
You may withdraw from the brain donation program at any time. Participation is always voluntary.
The primary focus is brain tissue. Additional tissues may be collected only if relevant to approved research and with appropriate consent.
In many cases, yes. The CADRC team will discuss logistics and feasibility based on location at the time of enrollment.
