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Griffin CP, Bowen JR, Walker MM, Lynam J, Paul CL. Understanding the value of brain donation for research to donors, next-of-kin and clinicians: A systematic review. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295438. [PMID: 38117774 PMCID: PMC10732432 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Post-mortem brain donation affords the opportunity to characterise disease by exploring global neuropathological changes. Such opportunities are essential to progress knowledge of CNS tumours such as Glioblastoma. A comprehensive understanding of the experience of consenting to brain donation is crucial to maximising consent rates while providing patient-centred care. This review aimed to synthesise the reported facilitators and barriers according to potential donors, next-of-kin (NOK) and clinician respondents. DESIGN Database searches included Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, Psychology and Behavioural Science and Scopus. Search terms focused on motivations, attitudes and psychosocial experiences of brain donation. Exclusions included organ transplantation and brain death. All studies were assessed for quality and validity using tools from the Joanna Briggs Institute. To determine perceptions of benefit and harm, a method guided by the thematic analysis of Braun and Clarke was employed to reflexively assess and identify common themes and experiences. RESULTS 40 studies (15 qualitative, 25 quantitative) were included involving participants with paediatric cancer, neurodegenerative and psychological diseases. Perceptions of benefit included benefit to future generations, aiding scientific research, avoidance of waste, improved treatments and the belief that donation will bring consolation or aid in the grieving process. Perceptions of harm included a perceived conflict with religious beliefs, disfigurement to the donor, emotional distress at the time of autopsy and discord or objections within the family. CONCLUSION Brain donation can afford a sense of purpose, meaning and empowerment for donors and their loved ones. Careful strategies are required to mitigate or reduce potential harms during the consent process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra P. Griffin
- College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing University of Newcastle, Tamworth, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Jenna R. Bowen
- College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing University of Newcastle, Tamworth, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Marjorie M. Walker
- College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing University of Newcastle, Tamworth, NSW, Australia
| | - James Lynam
- College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing University of Newcastle, Tamworth, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Calvary Mater, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Christine L. Paul
- College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing University of Newcastle, Tamworth, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Priority Research Centre Cancer Research, Innovation and Translation, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Priority Research Centre Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
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2
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Padoan CS, Garcia LF, Crespo KC, Longaray VK, Martini M, Contessa JC, Kapczinski F, de Oliveira FH, Goldim JR, Vs Magalhães P. A qualitative study exploring the process of postmortem brain tissue donation after suicide. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4710. [PMID: 35304551 PMCID: PMC8933424 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08729-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Access to postmortem brain tissue can be valuable in refining knowledge on the pathophysiology and genetics of neuropsychiatric disorders. Obtaining postmortem consent for the donation after death by suicide can be difficult, as families may be overwhelmed by a violent and unexpected death. Examining the process of brain donation can inform on how the request can best be conducted. This is a qualitative study with in-depth interviews with forty-one people that were asked to consider brain donation-32 who had consented to donation and 9 who refused it. Data collection and analyses were carried out according to grounded theory. Five key themes emerged from data analysis: the context of the families, the invitation to talk to the research team, the experience with the request protocol, the participants' assessment of the experience, and their participation in the study as an opportunity to heal. The participants indicated that a brain donation request that is respectful and tactful can be made without adding to the family distress brought on by suicide and pondering brain donation was seen as an opportunity to transform the meaning of the death and invest it with a modicum of solace for being able to contribute to research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Stopinski Padoan
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Centro de Pesquisa Clínica, Faculty of Medicine, Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Lucas França Garcia
- Graduate Program in Health Promotion, Cesumar University, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Kleber Cardoso Crespo
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Centro de Pesquisa Clínica, Faculty of Medicine, Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Kenne Longaray
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Centro de Pesquisa Clínica, Faculty of Medicine, Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Murilo Martini
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Centro de Pesquisa Clínica, Faculty of Medicine, Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Júlia Camargo Contessa
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Centro de Pesquisa Clínica, Faculty of Medicine, Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Flávio Kapczinski
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Centro de Pesquisa Clínica, Faculty of Medicine, Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Francine Hehn de Oliveira
- Serviço de Patologia, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Goldim
- Bioethics Department, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Pedro Vs Magalhães
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Centro de Pesquisa Clínica, Faculty of Medicine, Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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3
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Biovalue in Human Brain Banking: Applications and Challenges for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 34558013 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1783-0_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Brain banking occupies a central role for the advancement of the study of human neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. The smooth functioning and effectiveness of a brain bank is largely a multidisciplinary effort and requires the cooperation and participation of several players including neurologists, neuropathologists, and research coordinators to guarantee that donated tissue is properly processed and archived. If properly run, brain banks can ultimately lay the foundation for new brain research and pioneer the discovery of new therapies for a variety of neurological diseases.
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4
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Siminoff LA, Mash D, Wilson-Genderson M, Gardiner HM, Mosavel M, Barker L. Making a family decision to donate the brain for genomic research: lessons from the genotype-tissue expression project (GTEx). Cell Tissue Bank 2021; 22:431-441. [PMID: 33386465 PMCID: PMC9040537 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-020-09890-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
This study sheds light on the attitudes and circumstances that influence decisions by families to donate the brain of a deceased family member for research. This study, a part of the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project, interviewed families of patients who had authorized organ and/or tissue donation for transplantation. A total of 384 family decision makers (FDMs) who decided to donate organs and/or tissues for transplantation were also asked to donate to GTEx. Of these, 297 families were asked to donate their loved one's whole brain and 87 families responded to a hypothetical request for brain donation. The decision to donate the brain to GTEx, actually or hypothetically, was the major outcome measure. The majority of the FDMs would choose to donate the brain, 78%. Unwillingness to donate the brain was associated with four attitudes: (1) the FDM unwillingness to donate their own tissues for research (OR 1.91, 95% CI .67 to 2.96; p = .05), (2) concern with potential for-profit use of tissues (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.7; p = .008), (3) reported squeamishness about tissue donation (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.7; p = .006), and (4) belief that FDMs should have a say in how the donated tissues are used (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.5; p = .01). Organ and tissue donors may present a plenteous source of brains for research. Family concerns about tissue use and collection should be addressed by requesters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Siminoff
- College of Public Health, Temple University, 1700 N. Broad Street Suite 202 - 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19121, USA.
| | - Deborah Mash
- Neurology and Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, USA
| | | | - Heather M Gardiner
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Maghboeba Mosavel
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| | - Laura Barker
- College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
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5
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Reyes-Pablo AE, Campa-Córdoba BB, Luna-Viramontes NI, Ontiveros-Torres MÁ, Villanueva-Fierro I, Bravo-Muñoz M, Sáenz-Ibarra B, Barbosa O, Guadarrama-Ortíz P, Garcés-Ramírez L, de la Cruz F, Harrington CR, Martínez-Robles S, González-Ballesteros E, Perry G, Pacheco-Herrero M, Luna-Muñoz J. National Dementia BioBank: A Strategy for the Diagnosis and Study of Neurodegenerative Diseases in México. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 76:853-862. [PMID: 32568191 DOI: 10.3233/jad-191015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We recently developed the National Dementia Biobank in México (BioBanco Nacional de Demencias, BND) as a unit for diagnosis, research, and tissue transfer for research purposes. BND is associated with the Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM), Mexico. The donation of fluids, brain, and other organs of deceased donors is crucial for understanding the underlying mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and for the development of successful treatment. Our laboratory research focuses on 1) analysis of the molecular processing of the proteins involved in those neurodegenerative diseases termed tauopathies and 2) the search for biomarkers for the non-invasive and early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldelmo Emmanuel Reyes-Pablo
- National Dementia BioBank, Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores, Cuautitlán campo 1, UNAM Estado de México, México.,Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Depto. Fisiología, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, CDMX, México
| | - B Berenice Campa-Córdoba
- National Dementia BioBank, Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores, Cuautitlán campo 1, UNAM Estado de México, México.,Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Depto. Fisiología, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, CDMX, México
| | - Nabil Itzi Luna-Viramontes
- National Dementia BioBank, Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores, Cuautitlán campo 1, UNAM Estado de México, México.,Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Depto. Fisiología, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, CDMX, México
| | | | | | - Marely Bravo-Muñoz
- National Dementia BioBank, Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores, Cuautitlán campo 1, UNAM Estado de México, México
| | - Bárbara Sáenz-Ibarra
- Depto. de Patología, Facultad de medicina de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Nuevo León, México
| | - Oralia Barbosa
- Jefa del Servicio de Anatomía Patológicay Citopatología del Hospital Universitario "Dr. José E. González de la UANL, Nuevo León, México
| | | | - Linda Garcés-Ramírez
- Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Depto. Fisiología, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, CDMX, México
| | - Fidel de la Cruz
- Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Depto. Fisiología, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, CDMX, México
| | - Charles R Harrington
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Sandra Martínez-Robles
- National Dementia BioBank, Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores, Cuautitlán campo 1, UNAM Estado de México, México
| | - Erik González-Ballesteros
- National Dementia BioBank, Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores, Cuautitlán campo 1, UNAM Estado de México, México
| | - George Perry
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Mar Pacheco-Herrero
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra, Dominican Republic
| | - José Luna-Muñoz
- National Dementia BioBank, Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores, Cuautitlán campo 1, UNAM Estado de México, México
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6
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Fernandez-Cerado C, Legarda GP, Velasco-Andrada MS, Aguil A, Ganza-Bautista NG, Lagarde JBB, Soria J, Jamora RDG, Acuña PJ, Vanderburg C, Sapp E, DiFiglia M, Murcar MG, Campion L, Ozelius LJ, Alessi AK, Singh-Bains MK, Waldvogel HJ, Faull RLM, Macalintal-Canlas R, Muñoz EL, Penney EB, Ang MA, Diesta CCE, Bragg DC, Acuña-Sunshine G. Promise and challenges of dystonia brain banking: establishing a human tissue repository for studies of X-Linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2021; 128:575-587. [PMID: 33439365 PMCID: PMC8099813 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-020-02286-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
X-Linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism (XDP) is a neurodegenerative disease affecting individuals with ancestry to the island of Panay in the Philippines. In recent years there has been considerable progress at elucidating the genetic basis of XDP and candidate disease mechanisms in patient-derived cellular models, but the neural substrates that give rise to XDP in vivo are still poorly understood. Previous studies of limited XDP postmortem brain samples have reported a selective dropout of medium spiny neurons within the striatum, although neuroimaging of XDP patients has detected additional abnormalities in multiple brain regions beyond the basal ganglia. Given the need to fully define the CNS structures that are affected in this disease, we created a brain bank in Panay to serve as a tissue resource for detailed studies of XDP-related neuropathology. Here we describe this platform, from donor recruitment and consent to tissue collection, processing, and storage, that was assembled within a predominantly rural region of the Philippines with limited access to medical and laboratory facilities. Thirty-six brains from XDP individuals have been collected over an initial 4 years period. Tissue quality was assessed based on histologic staining of cortex, RNA integrity scores, detection of neuronal transcripts in situ by fluorescent hybridization chain reaction, and western blotting of neuronal and glial proteins. The results indicate that this pipeline preserves tissue integrity to an extent compatible with a range of morphologic, molecular, and biochemical analyses. Thus the algorithms that we developed for working in rural communities may serve as a guide for establishing similar brain banks for other rare diseases in indigenous populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - G Paul Legarda
- Sunshine Care Foundation, 5800, Roxas City, Capiz, Philippines
| | | | - Abegail Aguil
- Sunshine Care Foundation, 5800, Roxas City, Capiz, Philippines
| | | | | | - Jasmin Soria
- Sunshine Care Foundation, 5800, Roxas City, Capiz, Philippines
| | - Roland Dominic G Jamora
- Department of Neurosciences, College of Medicine-Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Patrick J Acuña
- Sunshine Care Foundation, 5800, Roxas City, Capiz, Philippines.,Department of Neurology, The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Charles Vanderburg
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Ellen Sapp
- Department of Neurology, The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Marian DiFiglia
- Department of Neurology, The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Micaela G Murcar
- Department of Neurology, The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Lindsey Campion
- Department of Neurology, The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Laurie J Ozelius
- Department of Neurology, The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Amy K Alessi
- Department of Neurology, The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Malvindar K Singh-Bains
- Department of Anatomy with Medical Imaging, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Henry J Waldvogel
- Department of Anatomy with Medical Imaging, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Richard L M Faull
- Department of Anatomy with Medical Imaging, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Edwin L Muñoz
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
| | - Ellen B Penney
- Department of Neurology, The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Mark A Ang
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
| | | | - D Cristopher Bragg
- Department of Neurology, The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02129, USA.
| | - Geraldine Acuña-Sunshine
- Sunshine Care Foundation, 5800, Roxas City, Capiz, Philippines. .,Department of Neurology, The Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02129, USA.
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7
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Chan RJW, Seah S, Foo JYJ, Yong ACW, Chia NSY, Agustin SJU, Neo SXM, Tay KY, Au WL, Tan LCS, Ng ASL. Patient attitudes towards brain donation across both neurodegenerative and non-neurodegenerative neurological disorders. Cell Tissue Bank 2020; 21:265-277. [PMID: 32140800 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-020-09819-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Brain donations are imperative for research; understanding possible barriers to entry is required to improve brain donation rates. While a few surveys have studied attitudes towards brain banking in patients with neurodegenerative disorders, none have surveyed patients with chronic neurological disorders but without neurodegeneration. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 187 participants, with both neurodegenerative (n = 122) and non-neurodegenerative disorders (n = 65), to compare their attitudes and preferences towards brain donation. Encouragingly, patients with non-neurodegenerative disorders were just as likely to consider brain donation as those with neurodegenerative diseases. Approximately half of each group were willing to consider brain donation, and majority of participants across both groups would not be offended if asked to participate in brain donation (71%). Across both groups, altruistic reasons such as desire to advance medical knowledge and benefit to other patients were the main motivating factors for brain donation, while perceived stress for family members, fears of body disfigurement and religious reasons were the main reasons against brain donation. Of note, nearly two-thirds of all participants were agreeable to allow their family to decide on their behalf. Overall, participants with non-neurodegenerative disorders appeared equally likely to consider brain donation as participants with neurodegenerative disorders. This is an important finding as they represent a significant population seen in specialist neurology clinics who may be overlooked in brain donor recruitment and awareness efforts. Healthcare professionals involved in brain banking should consider actively approaching these potential donors and involving their family members in these discussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reudi J W Chan
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Sherilyn Seah
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Joel Y J Foo
- Department of Research, National Neuroscience Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Alisa C W Yong
- Department of Research, National Neuroscience Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Nicole S Y Chia
- Department of Research, National Neuroscience Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Sherwin J U Agustin
- Department of Research, National Neuroscience Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Shermyn X M Neo
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Kay-Yaw Tay
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Wing-Lok Au
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Louis C S Tan
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Adeline S L Ng
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore.
- Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore.
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8
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Zhang Q, Deng J, Li YN, Gou Y, Yan XX, Li F, Pan AH. Perceptions and Attitudes toward Brain Donation among the Chinese People. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2020; 13:80-90. [PMID: 31022327 DOI: 10.1002/ase.1886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Postmortem human brain donation is crucial to both anatomy education and research. The China Human Brain Banking Consortium was established recently to foster brain donation in China. The purpose of this study was to gain information about the public perception of and attitudes toward brain donation and to identify factors that may impact the willingness to participate in brain donation among the Chinese people. A specifically designed questionnaire was delivered to community residents in Changsha (the capital city of Hunan province) with a total of 1,249 completed forms returned and statistically analyzed. The majority of the participants considered that brain donation would help medical research and education, and 32.0% of respondents agreed that the brain donation would help change the traditional Chinese funeral belief in keeping the body intact after death. However, participants aged over 60 years old were less supportive of this concept. Among all participants, 63.7% stated that they were not knowledgeable about brain donation, while 26.4% explicitly expressed a willingness to participate in brain donation. Age, gender, monthly household income, and knowledge about brain donation significantly affected the willingness. Compared with other age groups, a higher proportion of participants aged over 60 years old preferred to be informed by a medical college. To promote brain donation in China, especially among the elderly, better communication of its medical benefits and a reinterpretation of the Confucius view of the human body should be provided. Efforts are also needed to provide appropriate forums and sources of brain donation information to targeted communities and society in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Xiangya Brain Bank, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Deng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-Nan Li
- Xiangya Brain Bank, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Gou
- Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Xin Yan
- Xiangya Brain Bank, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ai-Hua Pan
- Xiangya Brain Bank, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
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9
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Lin MJP, Jowsey T, Curtis MA. Why people donate their brain to science: a systematic review. Cell Tissue Bank 2019; 20:447-466. [PMID: 31538265 PMCID: PMC6863784 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-019-09786-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The acquisition of brain tissue for research purposes is an important endeavour in research on ageing, pathological diagnosis, and the advancement of treatment of neurological or neurodegenerative diseases. While some tissue samples can be obtained from a living patient, the procurement of a whole brain requires the donation from people after their death. In order to promote positive attitudes towards brain donation, it is essential to understand why people do or do not donate their brain to medical research. In 2018 we undertook a systematic review of the international literature concerning people's attitudes, motivations, and feelings about brain donation. Five electronic databases were searched: Scopus, PsycINFO, Embase, Medline, and Google Scholar. Search terms included: ("brain donor*" OR "brain donation" OR "brain banking" OR "banking on brain") AND (attitude* OR motivation* OR decision*") AND (LIMIT-TO "human") AND (LIMIT-TO (LANGUAGE, "English")). Articles were analysed using the Framework for Assessing Qualitative Evaluations and a meta-ethnographic approach. Fourteen articles were included for review. The findings suggest four universal factors informing a person's decision to donate their brain: (1) contextual knowledge, (2) conceptual understandings, (3) family/friends matter, and (4) personal experience, time and process. The findings also indicate that the way healthcare professionals present themselves can influence people's feelings and attitudes towards brain donation. Healthcare and research professionals who are involved in brain donation processes must be mindful of the complex and multiple factors that influence donation outcomes. Effective and sensitive communication with potential donors and their family/friends is paramount.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Jiun Penny Lin
- School of Curriculum and Pedagogy, Faculty of Education and Social Work, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tanisha Jowsey
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Medical and Health Sciences Education, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Maurice A. Curtis
- Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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10
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Attitudes of Asian Parkinson patients towards brain donation. Cell Tissue Bank 2019; 20:585-590. [PMID: 31583487 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-019-09788-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Histopathological examination of brain tissue is required for better understanding of neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's disease and related disorders. However, patient willingness remains the greatest hurdle hampering participation in brain donation for research. While there is extensive research being conducted on the subject in West, to the best of our knowledge, there are no studies done in this regard in Asia. This cross-sectional survey was conducted on 105 Parkinson's disease patients to assess their knowledge, beliefs and attitude towards brain donation in an Asian population. The majority of the participants (78%) acknowledged the importance of donation of brain for research, and 70% believed that their donated brain samples would be handled professionally. Fifty percent participants were willing to consider donating their brain for research. Motivating factors for brain donation included altruism (87%) and contribution to advance medical knowledge (80%). Common reasons for unwillingness towards brain donation were stress for family (30%), disfigurement of body (25%), and having a conservative mindset (23%). About one-third of the participants preferred to be approached for brain donation after their first clinic visit. Most patients preferred either their treating neurologists (66%) or research staff (18%) to discuss brain donation with. Participation for brain donation may be increased further with greater patient and public education to overcome misconceptions and change mindsets.
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11
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Trujillo Diaz D, Hernandez NC, Cortes EP, Faust PL, Vonsattel JPG, Louis ED. Banking brains: a pre-mortem "how to" guide to successful donation. Cell Tissue Bank 2018; 19:473-488. [PMID: 30220002 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-018-9720-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A review of the brain banking literature reveals a primary focus either on the factors that influence the decision to become a future donor or on the brain tissue processing that takes place after the individual has died (i.e., the front-end or back-end processes). What has not been sufficiently detailed, however, is the complex and involved process that takes place after this decision to become a future donor is made yet before post-mortem processing occurs (i.e., the large middle-ground). This generally represents a period of many years during which the brain bank is actively engaged with donors to ensure that valuable clinical information is prospectively collected and that their donation is eventually completed. For the past 15 years, the Essential Tremor Centralized Brain Repository has been actively involved in brain banking, and our experience has provided us valuable insights that may be useful for researchers interested in establishing their own brain banking efforts. In this piece, we fill a gap in the literature by detailing the processes of enrolling participants, creating individualized brain donation plans, collecting clinical information and regularly following-up with donors to update that information, and efficiently coordinating the brain harvest when death finally arrives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Trujillo Diaz
- Division of Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nora C Hernandez
- Division of Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Etty P Cortes
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA.,Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Phyllis L Faust
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jean Paul G Vonsattel
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA.,Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elan D Louis
- Division of Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA. .,Center for Neuroepidemiology and Clinical Neurological Research, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA. .,Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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12
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Brain donation procedures in the Sudden Death Brain Bank in Edinburgh. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2018; 150:17-27. [PMID: 29496140 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63639-3.00002-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Brain banks typically receive donations through premortem consent procedures, often through disease-specific patient cohorts, such as dementia. While some control cases can be obtained through this route, access to age-matched control tissues, and some chronic neurologic conditions, particularly psychiatric disorders, can be challenging. The Edinburgh Sudden Death Brain Bank was established to try and increase access to control cases across all ages, and also access to psychiatric disorders through suicides. This chapter outlines the processes for establishing donations through medicolegal postmortems, which, although often with a prolonged postmortem interval, can provide high-quality well-characterized postmortem brain tissue to the neuroscience research community.
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13
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Longaray VK, Padoan CS, Goi PD, da Fonseca RC, Vieira DC, Oliveira FHD, Kapczinski F, Magalhães PV. Frequency of brain tissue donation for research after suicide. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 39:180-182. [PMID: 28300947 PMCID: PMC7111448 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2016-1971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: To describe the frequency of brain tissue donation for research purposes by families of individuals that committed suicide. Methods: All requests for brain tissue donation to a brain biorepository made to the families of individuals aged 18-60 years who had committed suicide between March 2014 and February 2016 were included. Cases presenting with brain damage due to acute trauma were excluded. Results: Fifty-six cases of suicide were reported. Of these, 24 fulfilled the exclusion criteria, and 11 others were excluded because no next of kin was found to provide informed consent. Of the 21 remaining cases, brain tissue donation was authorized in nine (tissue fragments in seven and the entire organ in two). Conclusions: Donation of brain tissue from suicide cases for research purposes is feasible. The acceptance rate of 42.8% in our sample is in accordance with international data on such donations, and similar to rates reported for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa K Longaray
- Laboratório de Psiquiatria Molecular, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, (HCPA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carolina S Padoan
- Laboratório de Psiquiatria Molecular, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, (HCPA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Pedro D Goi
- Laboratório de Psiquiatria Molecular, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, (HCPA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo C da Fonseca
- Laboratório de Psiquiatria Molecular, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, (HCPA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Daniel C Vieira
- Laboratório de Psiquiatria Molecular, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, (HCPA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Flávio Kapczinski
- Laboratório de Psiquiatria Molecular, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, (HCPA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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14
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Le Bouc R, Marelli C, Beaufils E, Berr C, Hommet C, Touchon J, Pasquier F, Deramecourt V. Limiting Factors of Brain Donation in Neurodegenerative Diseases: The Example of French Memory Clinics. J Alzheimers Dis 2016; 49:1075-83. [PMID: 26756326 DOI: 10.3233/jad-150825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Postmortem neuropathological examination of the brain is essential in neurodegenerative diseases, to ensure accurate diagnosis, to obtain an a posteriori critical assessment of the adequacy of clinical care, and to validate new biomarkers, but is only rarely performed. The purpose of this study was to assess factors limiting brain donation, such as reluctance of physicians to seek donation consent, opposition from patients and families, and organizational constraints. We conducted a survey across French memory clinics and major neuropathological centers. Few postmortem examinations were performed annually, as less than one third of the centers had performed at least five autopsies, and 41% had performed none. The main limiting factor was the lack of donation requests made by physicians, as half of them never approach patients for brain donation. Reasons for not seeking donation consent often include discomfort broaching the subject and lack of awareness of the medical and scientific benefit of postmortems (77%), organizational constraints (61%), and overestimation of families' negative reaction (51%). Family refusals represented a second major obstacle, and were often caused by misconceptions. Identifying and addressing these biases early could help improve physicians' rate of making requests and the public's awareness about the importance of brain donation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Le Bouc
- Memory Clinic, French National Reference Centre for Young Onset Alzheimer's disease, Lille University Hospital, INSERM U1171, LabEx DISTALZ, Lille, France
| | - Cecilia Marelli
- Department of Neurology, CHRU Gui de Chauliac, Montpellier, France
| | - Emilie Beaufils
- Regional Memory Center, CHU Hôpital Bretonneau, Tours, France
| | - Claudine Berr
- INSERM E361, Pathologies of the Nervous System, Clinical and Epidemiological Research, Hôpital La Colombiére, Montpellier, France
| | - Caroline Hommet
- Regional Memory Center, CHU Hôpital Bretonneau, Tours, France
| | - Jacques Touchon
- Department of Neurology, CHRU Gui de Chauliac, Montpellier, France
| | - Florence Pasquier
- Memory Clinic, French National Reference Centre for Young Onset Alzheimer's disease, Lille University Hospital, INSERM U1171, LabEx DISTALZ, Lille, France
| | - Vincent Deramecourt
- Memory Clinic, French National Reference Centre for Young Onset Alzheimer's disease, Lille University Hospital, INSERM U1171, LabEx DISTALZ, Lille, France
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15
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Fonseca MK, Rodrigues-Neto E, Costa ASR, Rockembach MABC, Padilha RS, Fernandez LL, Oliveira FH, Garcia LP, Hilbig A. Assessing families' and patients' attitudes toward brain donation for research purposes in a Brazilian population sample. Cell Tissue Bank 2014; 16:287-94. [PMID: 25098349 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-014-9465-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The neuropathological examination of postmortem human brain tissue is an essential resource for the definitive diagnosis and research on neurodegenerative diseases. Due to the growing need of donated brains to supply the Brain Banks, the understanding of the factors associated with the consent for the donation in our context is an important aspect of the process of brain donation. The verbal answers and the donation consent rate were evaluated in three groups: 30 relatives of patients who underwent verification of the cause of death, 14 patients assisted at a neurology ambulatory outpatient clinic, and 18 patients' relatives. The donation consent rates were of 46.6, 92.8 and 88.8 %, respectively. The main reasons for refusal were the disagreement with the autopsy, philosophical and religious issues, objections from other family members, and the consideration of the wishes of the deceased. The consent was specially motivated by the interest in the advances of scientific knowledge, altruistic reasons and the personal experiences with the disease. Factors as the emotional fragility at the moment of death, the beliefs, family matters, and the lack of knowledge are key elements in the donation process. Future goals include the establishment of a brain donor program with the support of academic institutions, hospitals, scientists, community, patient's associations and autopsy assistants. Approaching patients and relatives in specialized ambulatories clinic during assistance is probably the most efficient mean of obtaining brains for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- M K Fonseca
- Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre), Porto Alegre, Brazil,
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16
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Harris C, Kiger A, Counsell C. Attitudes to brain donation for Parkinson's research and how to ask: a qualitative study with suggested guidelines for practice. J Adv Nurs 2012; 69:1096-108. [PMID: 22823003 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2012.06099.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM To describe factors people consider important in deciding whether or not to donate their brain for research after death. BACKGROUND Brain tissue retrieved at post-mortem is needed to further research into neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease. Previous research has focussed mainly on attitudes to organ donation for transplantation. DESIGN Data were gathered and analysed using a qualitative approach based on grounded theory. METHODS Nineteen people who had made a decision about brain donation, five people with Parkinson's and 14 unaffected individuals, were identified through theoretical sampling. Interviews conducted between September 2007-January 2008 were analysed to identify themes representing the concerns of participants, when making a decision. FINDINGS The three main themes identified were views and beliefs about post-mortem, the importance of family and the things people do not talk about. Although participants were more familiar with the concept of organ donation for transplantation, unanimous support was expressed for brain donation for research. However, beliefs about death and post-mortem, influence of family and the difficulty in talking and thinking about things to do with death all posed barriers to consent when actually asked to make a decision. For some, however, being asked had acted as a catalyst, transforming previously held positive attitudes into a decision to consent. CONCLUSION Guidelines for asking developed from these findings highlight the importance of discussing the issue to raise awareness in potential donors, involving family members, and giving accurate and appropriate information to inform, reassure and to dispel misconceptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Harris
- Division of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, UK.
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17
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Eatough V, Shaw K, Lees A. Banking on brains: insights of brain donor relatives and friends from an experiential perspective. Psychol Health 2012; 27:1271-90. [PMID: 22452631 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2012.669480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Brain donation is critical to understand the pathological causes of neurodegenerative diseases. Increasing levels of donation requires an understanding of those factors that both encourage and deter donation. At present, there are few studies of how people understand, feel and decide about brain donation for scientific research. This qualitative experiential study contributes to the growing literature on brain donation through its specific focus on how the donation process is experienced from the perspectives of family members and friends. Nineteen semi-structured interviews were analysed using a phenomenologically informed thematic analysis. Four themes were derived from the analysis, three of which are described in detail: Making the decision to donate; a personal perspective on the donation process; the significance of the brain; beliefs about brain donation. In particular, the thematic analysis highlights the variation of individual decision making and the emotions and reasons underpinning such decisions. Key conclusions include the importance of integrated practice amongst relevant healthcare professionals as well as the need for supportive and informed communication. Also, in light of the finding that the brain assumed no special significance for most participants, the value of the distinction between brain donation for research purposes and organ transplantation is questioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Eatough
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck University of London, London WC1E 7HX, UK.
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18
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Families' reflections on the process of brain donation following coronial autopsy. Cell Tissue Bank 2010; 13:89-101. [PMID: 21140229 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-010-9233-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2010] [Accepted: 11/04/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to explore families' reflections on their decision to donate brain tissue to the NSW Tissue Resource Centre (NSW TRC), Australia. Specifically, the study aims to investigate respondents' initial reactions to the request for donation, primary reasons for their decision, and subsequent satisfaction levels. Participants were next-of-kin (NOK) contacted between May 2002 and May 2008, on the day of their relative's autopsy, who agreed to donate brain tissue to the NSW TRC for medical research. All 111 NOK were invited to participate, and those who agreed completed an anonymous questionnaire. Fifty completed questionnaires were received. Results showed that 74% of respondents were not upset by the donation call and 98% were satisfied with their decision to donate. Of the 22% who reported having been upset, many indicated that their distress was partly related to their circumstances. When asked the main reason for their donation, 66% had wanted to help others, or help research, while 24% stated their primary reason as a belief that they were respecting the wishes of their deceased relative. These findings show that NOK are not further distressed by being asked to donate brain tissue, give altruistic reasons for consent and are satisfied with the decision they made. In both this study and previous literature, the importance of discussion about organ donation amongst relatives is a recurring theme. Knowledge about a relative's wishes is likely to help facilitate decision-making, overcoming at least one crucial barrier to lifting rates of organ donation for transplantation and research.
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19
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Angelini P, Hawkins C, Laperriere N, Bouffet E, Bartels U. Post mortem examinations in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma: challenges and chances. J Neurooncol 2010; 101:75-81. [DOI: 10.1007/s11060-010-0224-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2010] [Accepted: 05/04/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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20
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Factors that influence decisions by families to donate brain tissue for medical research. Cell Tissue Bank 2009; 10:309-15. [PMID: 19517269 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-009-9136-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2008] [Accepted: 05/18/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Whilst mainstream transplant literature provides valuable insights into the influences on families to donate organs and tissues for transplant, the relevance of these findings in relation to organ donation for research remain speculative. The present study aims to expand the research donation literature, by exploring factors that influence a family's decision to donate brain tissue to neuroscience research. The verbal responses of the senior available next-of-kin (NOK), to the question of brain donation for research, are analysed. The donation rate was high (54%) over the 5-year-period. NOK relationship to the deceased, and post mortem interval were the main factors associated with a positive donation. Parents were most likely to donate and this may result from a lifetime of decision-making on behalf of the deceased. Also, the longer the interval between death of the potential donor and the question being asked, the greater the likelihood of donation.
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21
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Abstract
Understanding what influences people to donate, or not donate, body organs and tissues is very important for the future of transplant surgery and medical research (Garrick in J Clin Neurosci 13:524-528, 2006). A previous web-based motivation survey coordinated by the New South Wales Tissue Resource Centre found that most people who participated in brain donation were young, female, educated Australians, not affiliated with any particular religion, and with a higher prevalence of medical illness than the general Australian population. It discussed the main motivating factors for brain donation to be "the benefits of the research to medicine and science". This study has been replicated in a paper-based version to capture a broader cross-section of the general population, to find out who they are and what motivates them to donate. All consented and registered brain donors (n = 1,323) were sent a questionnaire via the post and recipients were given 3 months to complete the questionnaire and return it in a reply paid envelope. Results were entered into the original web-based survey and analyzed using SPSS version 10. Six hundred and fifty-eight questionnaires were returned completed, a response rate of 53%. The results show that people from all age groups are interested in brain donation. The over 65's are the largest of the groups (30.7%). The majority of the participants were female (60.6%), married (49.2%) with children (65.8%), employed (52.9%) and have a tertiary education (73.3%). They were either non-religious (48.2%) or Christian (41.6%) and were mostly Australian (65.4%). Most (81%) had pledged to donate other organs and tissues for transplantation. The most commonly cited reasons for the donation were to benefit science (27.6%), to benefit medicine (23.9%), a family illness (17.5%) and to benefit the community (16.6%). This study demonstrates that people across all age groups are interested in brain donation. Recruitment of new brain donors could target the over 65 female Australians, who are not religious or Christian and who have also donated other organs and tissues for transplant purposes. It also indicates the need to make donation for research part of the national transplant donation program.
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Komar DA, Grivas C. Manufactured populations: What do contemporary reference skeletal collections represent? A comparative study using the Maxwell Museum documented collection. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2008; 137:224-33. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.20858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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23
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Bell JE, Alafuzoff I, Al-Sarraj S, Arzberger T, Bogdanovic N, Budka H, Dexter DT, Falkai P, Ferrer I, Gelpi E, Gentleman SM, Giaccone G, Huitinga I, Ironside JW, Klioueva N, Kovacs GG, Meyronet D, Palkovits M, Parchi P, Patsouris E, Reynolds R, Riederer P, Roggendorf W, Seilhean D, Schmitt A, Schmitz P, Streichenberger N, Schwalber A, Kretzschmar H. Management of a twenty-first century brain bank: experience in the BrainNet Europe consortium. Acta Neuropathol 2008; 115:497-507. [PMID: 18365220 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-008-0360-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2008] [Revised: 02/28/2008] [Accepted: 02/28/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Collections of human postmortem brains gathered in brain banks have underpinned many significant developments in the understanding of central nervous system (CNS) disorders and continue to support current research. Unfortunately, the worldwide decline in postmortem examinations has had an adverse effect on research tissue procurement, particularly from control cases (non-diseased brains). Recruitment to brain donor programmes partially addresses this problem and has been successful for dementing and neurodegenerative conditions. However, the collection of brains from control subjects, particularly from younger individuals, and from CNS disorders of sudden onset, remains a problem. Brain banks need to adopt additional strategies to circumvent such shortages. The establishment of brain bank networks allows data on, and access to, control cases and unusual CNS disorders to be shared, providing a larger resource for potential users. For the brain banks themselves, inclusion in a network fosters the sharing of protocols and development of best practice and quality control. One aspect of this collective experience concerns brain bank management, excellence in which is a prerequisite not only for gaining the trust of potential donors and of society in general, but also for ensuring equitable distribution to researchers of high quality tissue samples. This review addresses the legal, ethical and governance issues, tissue quality, and health and safety aspects of brain bank management and data management in a network, as well as the needs of users, brain bank staffing, donor programs, funding issues and public relations. Recent developments in research methodology present new opportunities for researchers who use brain tissue samples, but will require brain banks to adopt more complex protocols for tissue collection, preparation and storage, with inevitable cost implications for the future.
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Millar T, Lerpiniere C, Walker R, Smith C, Bell JE. Postmortem tissue donation for research: a positive opportunity? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 17:644-9. [DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2008.17.10.29479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tracey Millar
- Medical Research Council Sudden Death Project, University of Edinburgh
| | - Chrys Lerpiniere
- Tissue Services, Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Ellen’s Glen Road, Edinburgh
| | - Robert Walker
- Consultant in Neuropathology, Neuropathology, University of Edinburgh
| | | | - Jeanne E Bell
- University of Edinburgh, Wilkie Building, Teviot Place, Edinburgh
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Banco de tejidos neurológicos de Sant Joan de Déu-Serveis de Salut Mental para la investigación de las enfermedades mentales. La importancia de un programa de donación en vida. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s1134-5934(08)71126-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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26
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Sundqvist N, Garrick T, Bishop I, Harper C. Reliability of post-mortem psychiatric diagnosis for neuroscience research. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2008; 42:221-7. [PMID: 18247197 DOI: 10.1080/00048670701827242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The validity of post-mortem human brain research relies upon accurate clinical and psychopathological diagnosis. Current literature indicates few instances where standardized diagnostic assessment tools such as the Diagnostic Instrument for Brain Studies have been utilized. The primary aim of the present study was to investigate the degree of concordance between predominant ante-mortem psychiatric diagnoses indicated in medical records, and post-mortem diagnoses derived through structured diagnostic instruments such as the Diagnostic Instrument for Brain Studies and the Item Group Checklist of the Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry. METHODS Fifty-eight subjects from the New South Wales Tissue Resource Centre, assigned a clinical psychiatric diagnosis after death, were included in the study. The predominant ante-mortem diagnosis of each case was compared to the corresponding post-mortem diagnosis obtained through structured case reviews to which either the Diagnostic Instrument for Brain Studies (from 2001) or the Item Group Checklist of Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (before 2001) were applied. RESULTS Comparison of ante-mortem and post-mortem diagnoses produced an overall kappa coefficient of 0.66. Kappa coefficients for the schizophrenia cohort were 0.61, 0.35 for the schizoaffective cohort, 0.95 for the major depressive disorder cohort and 0.70 for the bipolar disorder cohort. CONCLUSIONS There was moderate-excellent inter-rater reliability for most cohorts in this sample. There was sufficient disagreement, however, particularly for the schizoaffective cohort, to suggest the value of applying a standardized and structured assessment approach to psychiatric diagnosis. A standardized approach would likely enhance both the accuracy of diagnosis and the prospective validity of tissue-based research. The present study also highlights the importance of accurate and detailed medical record keeping at a symptom-based level across all mental health professions. In the absence of clear and adequate symptom-based detail, the reliability of both ante-mortem and post-mortem diagnosis may be compromised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Sundqvist
- Schizophrenia Research Institute and Discipline of Pathology, Blackburn Building (D06), University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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27
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Millar T, Walker R, Arango JC, Ironside JW, Harrison DJ, MacIntyre DJ, Blackwood D, Smith C, Bell JE. Tissue and organ donation for research in forensic pathology: the MRC Sudden Death Brain and Tissue Bank. J Pathol 2008; 213:369-75. [PMID: 17990279 DOI: 10.1002/path.2247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Novel methodological approaches to the investigation of brain and non-central nervous system disorders have led to increased demand for well-characterized, high quality human tissue samples, particularly from control cases. In the setting of the new Human Tissue legislation, we sought to determine whether relatives who have been suddenly bereaved are willing to grant authorization for research use of post mortem tissue samples and organs in sufficient numbers to support the establishment of a brain and tissue bank based in the forensic service. Research authorization was sought from families on the day prior to forensic post mortem examination followed up by written confirmation. We have to date selected individuals who have died suddenly (age range 1-89 years) and who were likely to have normal brains or who had displayed symptoms of a CNS disorder of interest to researchers, including psychiatric disorders. One hundred and eleven families have been approached during the first 2 years of this project. Research use of tissue samples was authorized by 96% of families and 17% agreed to whole brain donation. Audit of families' experience does not suggest that they are further distressed by being approached. Respondents expressed a clear view that the opportunity for research donation should be open to all bereaved families. Despite the sometimes long post mortem intervals, the quality of tissue samples is good, as assessed by a range of markers including Agilent BioAnalyzer quantification of RNA integrity (mean value 6.4). We conclude that the vast majority of families are willing to support research use of post mortem tissues even in the context of sudden bereavement and despite previous adverse publicity. The potential for acquisition of normal CNS and non-CNS tissues and of various hard-to-get CNS disorders suggests that efforts to access the forensic post mortem service for research material are eminently worthwhile.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Millar
- Neuropathology Unit, University of Edinburgh, Alexander Donald Building, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
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Draganic DM, Catts SV, Carr VJ. Neuroscience Institute of Schizophrenia and Allied Disorders (NISAD): 10 years of Australia's first virtual research institute. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2007; 41:78-88. [PMID: 17464685 DOI: 10.1080/00048670601057783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the first 10 years of operation of the Neuroscience Institute of Schizophrenia and Allied Disorders (NISAD), Australia's first virtual research institute. METHOD Narrative description of the evolution of NISAD. RESULTS Since inception in 1996, NISAD has developed a wide range of activities to enhance existing efforts and develop new initiatives in schizophrenia research, initially throughout New South Wales, but increasingly on a national scale. This involved the initial development of critical research infrastructure to provide the foundation, with the subsequent focus on developing a multidisciplinary programme of schizophrenia research, across the basic to applied research spectrum. While the primary focus has been the scientific domain, NISAD has also played a leading role in increasing public awareness of schizophrenia as a disease amenable to scientific investigation. CONCLUSION NISAD has succeeded in building a framework to apply the latest developments in neuroscience to the study of schizophrenia and has formed a multidisciplinary network of clinicians and neuroscientists who are actively collaborating on a range of research initiatives. The 'virtual institute' structure of NISAD has proven cost-efficient and consistent with innovative thinking about research resource management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daren M Draganic
- Neuroscience Institute of Schizophrenia and Allied Disorders, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia.
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