Become a brain donor

Join our Parkinson's UK Brain Donor Register and help us to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's.

Vital Parkinson's research relies upon the generosity of donors and their families who make the vital gift of brain donation after death.

So far, our Parkinson's UK Brain Bank has collected nearly 500 brains. But we urgently need more, particularly from people without Parkinson's, to help researchers find a cure.

• Join the Parkinson's UK Brain Donor Register
• People's brain donation stories
• Contact the Brain Bank team

Join the Parkinson's UK Brain Donor Register

1. Request or print your Parkinson's UK Brain Bank information pack
   
   
2. Complete and return the paperwork.
   
   
3. We'll confirm your registration and send you your Parkinson's UK Brain Donor Card.
   
   
4. Once you're registered, tell those closest to you about your decision and always carry your donor card.

Joining the Parkinson's UK Brain Donor Register gives your agreement to use your brain, spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid and potentially other tissue for research after your death.

People's brain donation stories

Pam's story

When Pam and her husband Geoff, who had Parkinson's, heard about the Parkinson's UK Brain Bank they both decided to sign up.

"Although we both realised that a cure might not come in time to help Geoff, we wanted to play our part in helping scientists move closer to a cure.

"I was never prouder than at my husband's funeral last year when our rector told the congregation about Geoff's decision."

Pam, registered donor

Denise's story

Denise does not have Parkinson's but signed up to the brain donor register in 2009. Her father Michael, pictured below with her mum Pamela, was diagnosed with Parkinson's at just 57.

"I wanted to do anything I could to help with research. After all, my brain will be of no further use to me when I die, but it might help others fight Parkinson's.

"It doesn't matter if my donation helps future generations of our family, or a total stranger. I just don't want anyone to go through what my dad did."

Denise, registered donor

Christine's story

Christine's husband Martyn developed Parkinson's in his thirties. Christine, Martyn, and both their sons made the decision to become registered donors.

"My whole family are behind the idea of brain donation – I think everybody should think about donating their brains and helping scientists find a cure for Parkinson's."

"It is very important that people without the condition join as well. Scientists have to compare the brains of people with Parkinson's to brains that are not affected by the condition.

Christine, registered donor

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