Community perceptions related to brain donation: Evidence for intervention

Introduction: Research progress on neurocognitive disorders requires donation of both healthy and diseased brains. Here, we describe attitudes toward brain donation among a large community sample in Florida. Methods: HealthStreet, a community engagement program at the University of Florida, used community health workers to assess community attitudes toward research participation, including brain donation. Results: Over 60% of people, primarily Caucasian and employed, indicated that they would be likely or somewhat likely to donate their brain for research. Those who would be willing to donate were also more likely to be willing to participate in other research studies and to have participated in research. Discussion: Brain donation will add to the science of disorders of aging, including accurate diagnoses and validation of in vivo biomarkers. Increasing willingness to donate is a first step toward donation. Community populations are willing; community health workers can educate others about the need for this initiative in communities.