Brain Donation

Brain Donation for RLS Research

The study of human brain tissue has increased our understanding of how the nervous system functions and the underlying pathophysiology of RLS.

The Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center (HBTRC) facilitates the collection and distribution of brain tissue, which is then made accessible to medical researchers. The HBTRC is one of six centers belonging to the NeuroBioBank (NBB) network, funded by the National Institutes of Health, and houses the Foundation’s tissue collection. Postmortem brain tissue from this collection played a significant role in our understanding of the association between low brain iron and RLS and impacts on the dopaminergic system. The identification of new biomarkers, underlying mechanisms and therapeutic targets requires both an appropriate repository and tissue donors to advance our understanding of RLS and development of targeted treatment.

Postmortem brain tissue from the HBTRC and NBB is a precious gift that supports studies by scientists from the nation's top research and medical centers. Your donation can play a critical role in advancing our understanding of RLS.

Harvard Brain and Tissue Resource Center (HBTRC)

The RLS Foundation maintains a brain bank at the Harvard Brain and Tissue Resource Center (HBTRC). Many RLS Foundation members have decided to include brain donation in their end-of-life plans to advance research that could lead to better treatments and a cure for RLS.

There are three ways to pre-register for brain donation at the HBTRC:

  1. Download a registration form here and mail it to the HBTRC
  2. Call the Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center (HBTRC) at 1-800-BRAIN BANK (1-800-272-4622) or for any questions regarding brain donation
  3. Complete an Online Registration (Adobe Acrobat Sign)

Pre-Register  

NeuroBioBank (NBB)

The NeuroBioBank (NBB) was established in 2013 by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to integrate the collection, processing, storage and distribution of post-mortem brain tissue using a network of tissue repositories located throughout the US (The University of Miami Brain Endowment Bank, University of Maryland Brain and Tissue Bank, The Human Brain and Spinal Fluid Resource Center (UCLA/VA), Mt. Sinai Brain Bank, Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center and the Brain Tissue Donation Program at the University of Pittsburgh).

The NBB has partnered with the Brain Donor Project to help interested individuals with the donation process. Contact the Brain Donor Project for additional help with your gift of donation to the NeuroBioBank.

Pre-register