Brain donation

Alzheimer's disease and dementia are complicated diseases with many unanswered questions. Researchers study as much as they can using information and samples provided by research volunteers of all ages. But they can only study certain things — like how these diseases physically change people's brains — by looking at the brains themselves after death.

Our brain donation program makes this type of research possible. We are deeply grateful to each person who volunteers to let us study their brain after they die, and we perform each autopsy with care and respect. We remove donated brain tissue in a way that allows an open casket and viewing before burial or cremation. The incision is in the back of the head and requires close inspection to be seen.

Learn more about the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center's Autopsy Program (PDF). You also can call the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging office at 507-284-1324 to get more details.