Brain donation from individuals who do not suffer from dementia are also critical for understanding the normal aging process. Making the Decision Brain autopsy is a decision that patients and their families can make only after thoughtful consideration. The decision has important emotional and practical implications. Members of the professional staff at the Northwestern Alzheimer's Disease Center are available to talk with you and answer your questions. The bereavement period is not the optimal time to begin thinking about an autopsy.
Early discussion reduces the stress of such decisions at the time of death.
Your decision may be influenced by a variety of factors. Alzheimer's disease can only be diagnosed with 100 per cent certainty through a brain autopsy. Concerns about genetic factors. If other family members develop dementia in the future, confirmed diagnosis of previous cases is important, especially if treatment becomes available. Religious or cultural factors.