Brain Autopsy Guide

Reasons families request brain autopsies

Confirmation of diagnosis
A confirmed diagnosis provides families with vital medical information and may be valuable to future generations. This important data enhances a family's medical history and may be necessary for family members to participate in research studies.

Research Advancement
The deceased person may have participated in a research study aimed at finding the causes of Alzheimer's disease. Granting permission for brain autopsy may have been a condition for participation in a research program.

Accurate reporting
It is possible that the number of those afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease is underestimated. that Alzheimer's disease be listed on the death certificate as the underlying cause of death helps the local Board of Health maintain accurate records.

Questions families may ask

Question: Will brain autopsy cause disfigurement?

Answer: There should be no apparent marks to the body as the result of a brain autopsy. The autopsy should not interfere with the family's request for an open casket.

Question: Will the funeral arrangements be delayed?

Answer: When arranged prior to the individual's death, brain autopsy generally does not delay funeral arrangements.

Answer: Families will usually receive a written report about 6 to 12 months after the autopsy has been performed. However, in some areas it may take longer.

Question: What are the costs involved?

Answer: The cost of brain autopsy varies in different areas depending on the resources available.

Question. Can the organs of my loved one be donated?

Answer: Because the causes of Alzheimer's disease are unknown, the Alzheimer's Association does not recommend donating any body organs for transplant purposes.

 

Ways funeral directors can support families

When the necessary pre-arrangements have been made:

• Contact the pathologist or neuropathologist who will perform the autopsy to assist in coordinating the process.
• Assist in obtaining required consent at the time of death.
• Provide transportation for the deceased person to the location where the brain autopsy will be performed and to the funeral home after the brain autopsy is complete.
• Explore the possibility of having the brain removed at the funeral home.

When the necessary pre-arrangements have not been made:

• Assist the family in locating a pathologist or neuropathologist.
• Assist in identifying and securing appropriate consent forms.
• Contact your local Alzheimer's Association Chapter.

Compiled by the Lincoln/Greater Nebraska Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 1999.