UNMC Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience

TISSUE DONATION PROGRAMS

Turning Tragedy into Triumph

Dementia

Neurological disorders are often manifested clinically as dementia. Dementia is a loss of one's mental function severe enough to interfere with everyday life. Those afflicted with it can show personality changes and unusual or distressing behavior. Signs and symptoms associated with dementia may include:

• Memory Loss
• Inability to concentrate, think clearly, speak and understand words, and recognize people
• Disorientation to time and place
• Difficulty with completing simple tasks, solving minor problems, and visual and spatial abilities
• Mood changes, depression, hallucinations, insomnia, and violent behavior

Our Mission

We, at the Center for Neurovirology and Neurodegenerative Disorders, want to utilize tissue donations to explore the mechanisms of and therapeutic options for neurodegenerative disorders. Through these generous brain tissue donations, we have the opportunity to find treatments to combat disorders, including, but not limited to Alzheimer's disease and HIV-1 associated dementia.

Why Donate

Before treatments can be offered, more must be known about dementia. Alzheimer's disease does not occur in rats, cats, or dogs. It only occurs in humans. For this reason, research with human brain tissue is critical to uncover treatments for neurological disorders. Today, 45,000 Nebraskans suffer from Alzheimer's Disease and many others have other types of neurological disorders. The research we do today will affect the health and well-being of future generations.

Frequently asked questions for tissue donation:

Can I donate if I do not show signs of dementia?
Yes, it is important to study and compare the brains of donors with and without dementia.

Will a brain tissue donation affect funeral plans?
Not generally. A brain tissue donation does not cause disfigurement, so an open casket funeral is possible.

How soon does the procedure need to take place?
Within 3-4 hours after death. Brain tissue is known to be viable within this period.

What procedure is used?
It involves procuring brain tissue through a "rapid autopsy". All tissue donated is used for research and diagnostic purposes only.

How are families notified of results?
A copy of the donor's medical diagnosis is confirmed via mail to the next of kin and the donor's primary care physician within three months.

How much will the autopsy cost?
No cost to the donor's family, a participating family will contribute to the search for the cure for dementia.
What if I have additional questions?
Any questions regarding the tissue donation programs can be directed to 402-559-4044, fax 402-559-7495

Tissue Donation Program is supported by the University of Nebraska Medical Center (Rapid Autopsy Program, the UNMC Clinical Research Center (#1237), and NIH "Neural Immunity in HIV Dementia, Core A: Cells and Tissue Core" (P01 NS35432). 

Top of page