Brain Bank Program

The Einstein Aging Study scientists are trying to understand how normal aging, Alzheimer's disease and other disorders affect the brain and how changes in the brain give rise to changes in behavior. Directly examining the brain remains one of the very best ways to learn about brain diseases. By confirming the diagnosis of dementia through autopsy, family members will gain a better understanding of their relative's illness and of the brain changes that have affected their loved one. Many families find comfort in knowing that something positive can result from a very difficult situation.

Our internationally recognized team of neuroscientists have made major contributions to our understanding of the mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease. These insights have contributed to improvements in diagnosis and the development of new treatments. These and future discoveries would not be possible without the generosity of our study volunteers. Many of our study participants volunteer for our Brain Bank Program by agreeing to leave their brains to science. We encourage our healthy participants to consider donation because we learn as much from the brains of healthy individuals as we do from those with disease.

If you decide to participate, you are free to change your mind at any time and withdraw your consent.

The best time to make plans for contributing brain tissue is well in advance of death, with full consideration given to the donor and the family.