Brains for Demetia Research Initiative (BDR)

Since OPTIMA began it has been providing a remarkable resource for dementia research through the generosity of a high proportion of its research participants (at least 80%) who consent to brain donation. 

Brain donation is made both by participants who have had dementia and also participants who were cognitively normal (Controls).  This is of enormous value in providing a definitive diagnosis and allowing comparison with data taken in life, it also provides an opportunity for further research analysis.

The Thomas Willis Oxford Brain Collection is a collaborating centre for the Brains for Dementia Research Initiative (BDR), which is a recently developed nationwide network of centres (currently 5) for brain collection specifically for research on dementia. The Alzheimer’s Research Trust and the Alzheimer’s Society have generously come together to provide financial support for the development of BDR centres.  Operating under full Human Tissue Authority regulations this network of brain banks supports the use of brain tissue in approved studies throughout the UK and World-wide.  OPTIMA research participants’ brain donations are part of the Oxford BDR centre. 

When OPTIMA participants have given consent to brain donation their families are always offered the opportunity to discuss the results of the analysis of the brain, once the report has been finalised.

People may wish to consider brain donation without participating in a full research programme, this can be discussed directly with BDR.  The contact person in Oxford is Caroline Cox.

Address: Thames Valley DeNDRoN, Rm 4401D, Level 4, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU

Telephone: 01865 234309

Email: carolinecox2@nhs.net

Website: www.brainsfordementiaresearch.org.uk