Many neurodegenerative disorders are unique to human beings. Therefore,
brains from other species are of limited value for research. Thus, human
brain donation is crucial. Furthermore, the definite diagnosis of
neurodegenerative diseases depends on a postmortem examination of the brain
(i.e. brain autopsy).
Brain autopsy is a type of surgical procedure done after death, which
does not disfigure and does not interfere with funeral plans.
Some neurodegenerative disorders, including subtypes of Alzheimer or
Parkinson disease and Huntington disease, are related to gene dysfunction.
Brain autopsy may help to identify the genetic dysfunction causing the
disease.
Postmortem brains from individuals without neurological or
neuropsychiatric disorders are important for research to determine the
differences between functional and dysfunctional brains. To facilitate this
research, the Taub Institute at Columbia University established the NYBB.
The NYBB is the link between the family, caregiver, donor, clinician and
basic scientist.
Donating your brain will greatly contribute to the progress towards
understanding why and how these diseases occur, and how they can be
prevented or treated.
To learn more about brain donation, please contact a research
coordinator, or visit the site of the Taub Institute.
Should you have any questions please contact us at:
NYBB / Taub Institute
Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian, Room T-8
3959 Broadway
New York, NY 10032
Telephone: 1-212-305-2299
Fax: 1-212-342-0083
E-mail: nybb@columbia.edu
http://www.nybb.hs.columbia.edu/
