Parkinson's UK Brain Bank

The Parkinson's UK Brain Bank is the world's only brain bank solely dedicated to Parkinson's research. By pledging your brain to Parkinson’s research, you can help find a cure to transform the lives of 153,000 people living with Parkinson’s in the UK.

What is the Brain Bank?

The Brain Bank, based at Imperial College London, collects precious tissue from people with and without Parkinson's who have decided to leave their brains to Parkinson's research.

The donation of brain tissue has already led to major advances in our understanding of Parkinson's, and resulted in new treatments being developed and tested.

People with and without Parkinson's can sign up and pledge to donate their brain for research. Donation is not an easy decision and we are extremely grateful to the donors and their families who have chosen to do this.

How you can pledge to donate your brain

Step 1:

Download, print and complete the Brain Bank donor form with your details.

Step 2:

Ask your next of kin to complete page 3.

Step 3:

Send all completed forms to the Brain Bank:

Parkinson’s UK Brain Bank
Division of Brain Sciences
Imperial College London
Hammersmith Campus
Du Cane Road
London W12 0NN

Why study the brain?

The human brain is very difficult for scientists to study. Unlike some other organs, we cannot simply take samples to study under the microscope, and brain scanning techniques (although getting better all the time) are limited. Complex brain conditions like Parkinson’s, dementia, depression and schizophrenia are pretty unique to humans, which makes them difficult to study in animals.

Based at Imperial College London, the Parkinson’s UK Brain Bank conducts dedicated tissue research. Precious tissue collected is given to researchers all over the world who, together, could make the next discovery to help us find a cure. 

Parkinson’s UK has already committed to joint funding the creation of a new digital brain bank to enable scientists from around the world to access brains virtually, making research more effective and efficient.

All the key questions you and your family may have about brain donation are in our Brain Bank donor information booklet (PDF, 5.9MB).

Contact the Brain Bank

If you have any questions or need to get in touch with the Brain Bank please contact the team directly.

By email: [email protected]

By phone: 020 7594 9732

By post: Parkinson's UK Brain Bank, Centre for Neuroscience, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, 160 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN

What to do when a donor dies?

Our guide takes you through what to do, step-by-step, when a brain donor dies. Read our guide on what to do when a donor dies.

Do you want a future free from Parkinson's?

The Brain Bank is instrumental in continuing to support vital research into Parkinson's. But we aren’t done yet. With your help, the greatest breakthroughs are still to come.