The Florida Brain Bank research program is dedicated to the coordination of brain tissue donations for critical scientific research that is aimed at ultimately curing Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias. Furthering an ongoing scientific understanding of dementia-related illnesses and contributing to the overall improvement of diagnosing and treating dementia is integral to the mission of the Florida Brain Bank program, one of the few state-run autopsy/medical research initiatives in the nation.

Registration takes some time (plan on 6-8 weeks). All participants must be registered prior to time of death and must reside in the state of Florida at time of enrollment and of death.

Basic criteria for enrollment includes the requirement for a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease, or any other age related dementia, that has been in place for a minimum of 12 months. Additionally, a complete neuropsychological evaluation, inclusive of brain imaging, needs to have been done. The diagnosis must have been made by a neurologist, psychiatrist, or medical director of an ADI-funded memory disorder clinic. A local funeral home that will be responsible for transportation must be selected prior to enrollment.

The State of Florida Brain Bank Research Program is funded in part by the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative (ADI) through the Department of Elder Affairs, in conjunction with Mount Sinai Hospital in Miami, FL.

For more information about the Florida Brain Bank or to register call 407-436-7755.

To report the death of a pre-registered Brain Bank participant call 407-949-9864.