How Can I Donate My Brain to Science?

Researchers, like zombies, are interested in brains of all kinds. Learn a few basics about how donating your brain to science works in this episode of BrainStuff.

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:02):
Welcome to brain Stuff from How Stuff Works. Hey, brain Stuff,
I'm Lauren Vogelbaum, and you don't have to be sitting
on a mountain of cash when you die. To leave
a little something for your loved ones and the rest
of humanity, researchers are looking for a few are lots
of good men and women to donate their brains to science.
These gifts are key to research that may change the

(00:24):
way a wide range of ailments are treated, including Alzheimer's
disease and dementia. Of course, the idea of having your
organs picked over by strangers when the sun sets on
your time here among the living is enough to give
some of us the willies. Here are a few things
you should know about donating your brain to science. Obviously,
the decision to donate anybody part is something that you

(00:44):
have to reach before you die, but it's also important
that people know about your choice before you leave this
world for whatever might come next. A brain donor's body
has to be refrigerated or the brain put on ice
within six hours of death, according to researchers at Harvard
Universe d. But yes, you can still have an open
casket funeral if you decide to give the gift of

(01:05):
your brain after death, a person's face and hair are
not disturbed by the brain removal process, so your loved
ones are still able to have that one last look
if that's your preferred funerary practice. However, be aware that
the procedure is not tax deductible. Sure, agreeing to give
up your brain or any other organ to science is
one of the more charitable things a person can do,

(01:26):
but that doesn't mean it's treated as a charitable donation
for tax purposes. But you don't need to have a
brain ailment to participate in a donation program. Researchers want
access to healthy brains so they can compare tissue to
those with various diseases. By the way, the average adult
human brain weighs about three pounds that's one point three
six ms, or about two percent of a person's total

(01:48):
body weight. If you decide to go ahead with brain donation,
there are certain steps required to seal the deal. Designating
yourself as an organ donor on your driver's license alone
does not give researchers the right to take your brain,
but can sent for Brain donation can be given by
next of kin immediately following death. So if it's something
you want to do, you should talk with your family
and friends about it, share your wishes, and register beforehand

(02:11):
to donate your brain. If you are interested, run a
search for the Brain Donor Project. It's a great starting
place for information and resources. Today's episode was written by
Chris Opfer and produced by Tyler Clang. For more on
this and lots of other Brinkley topics, visit our home planet,
how Stuff Works dot com.