Dr Claire Troakes, Brain Bank coordinator, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, said: "The Brain Bank provides human central nervous system tissue samples – both post-mortem and from surgical interventions – to the neuroscience research community. Brain and spinal cord donations undergo thorough neuropathological assessment, with anonymised clinical information."
What diseases/conditions are being researched at the bank?
"We carry out studies and provide tissue to researchers working on many different diseases and conditions, including Alzheimer's, Motor Neuron Disease, Frontotemporal dementia and neurodevelopmental disorders."
What is the history of the brain bank?
"The Brain Bank was established in 1989 and has since grown into one of the largest tissue banks in the UK. We receive over 50 new donations per year and supply samples to researchers both in the UK and worldwide."
What partners do you work with?
"We work closely with charities such as Alzheimer's Society, Alzheimer's Research UK, MND Association and the MRC. We are part of the UK network of Brain Banks, UKBBN, and everything we do is licensed by the Human Tissue Authority."