How to become a brain donor
By signing up for the Parkinson's Brain Donor Register, you can
help in the fight against Parkinson's. The more people who pledge
to donate their brain, the better the chance we have of discovering
a cure.
The Parkinson's Brain Bank and
researchers depend entirely on the generosity of donors and their
families who are willing to make the vital gift of brain donation
after death.
 "We must find
a cure. The work of researchers holds so much promise. It gives
people like me hope – that one day we will live in a world without
Parkinson's."
Marjorie Pooley, whose late husband Dennis Pooley had
Parkinson's
Who can become a brain
donor?
Anyone, including people without Parkinson's, can sign up for the
Parkinson's Brain Donor Register.
So far, we have collected over 250 donated brains. But this is not
enough to meet the growing demand from researchers. We urgently
need more people to donate their brains.
In particular, we face a desperate shortage of brains from people
without Parkinson's. Researchers must study the brains of people
with and without the condition. Only by doing this, can they tell
which changes are caused by Parkinson's and which are part of
normal aging.
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Sign up for the
Parkinson's Brain Donor Register
Signing up for the Brain Donor Register is a simple process.
- Request a Brain Donor Register
information pack
- Complete and return the paperwork.
- We will confirm your registration and send you your
Parkinson's Brain Donor Card.
Signing up for the Parkinson's Brain Donor Register gives your
agreement to use your brain, spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid and
potentially other tissue for research after your death.
Brain donation – your questions answered
addresses the most commonly asked questions about brain donation.
It aims to resolve any doubts you or your family might have.
 "Signing
up for the Parkinson's Brain Donor Register is a great idea.
We will only find a cure for Parkinson's through
research.
"Just one brain can go a long way and be used for as many
as 50 research projects in the UK and around the
world."
Christine Bainbridge, registered brain donor
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After you have signed up
Once you are on the Parkinson's Brain Donor Register, make sure
people know about your wish to donate.
- Tell those closest to you about your decision.
- Always carry your Parkinson's Brain Donor Card - so that in an
emergency, hospital staff know about your wish to donate.
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