Memory and Aging Study Brain Donation Program

Directions to Johns Hopkins Bayview

From points South (including BWI Airport):Take I-295 north or I-95 north to the Harbor Tunnel Thruway (I-895). After exiting the tunnel, take exit 12 (Lombard St.). At the first stop light, proceed straight onto Bayview Blvd.

From points North and East:Take I-95 south to I-895 south to exit 12 (Lombard St.). At the first stop light, turn right onto Bayview Blvd.

From East Baltimore or Dundalk Area:Take Eastern Ave. At the first stoplight, turn onto Bayview Blvd. (Make left if coming from East Balti-more, right from Dundalk).

Direction Line: 410–550–5748

Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Clinical Core5300 Alpha Commons DriveBaltimore, MD 21224

410-550-9021www.alzresearch.org

Profiles

Minnie Smoot (left) & Joan Phillips

Arne & Helen Hovdesven

Spreading the gift of knowledge by solving the mysteries of Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss that occurs due to aging.

Helen Hovdesven In 2003, after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, my husband, Arne, enrolled in the Brain Donation Program at Johns Hopkins. He wanted to play an integral part in medicine for future generations. We had no idea at the time how important this would be to our family.

When Arne died, by conducting a brain exam, doctors were able to provide a definitive diagnosis. Meeting with the doctor to hear the results provided important informa-tion that gave my family and me closure and peace.

Arne’s participation will help improve the care of patients with dementia and, someday, find a cure for Alzheimer’s.

Minnie SmootI enrolled in the Brain Donation Program at Johns Hopkins be-cause my mother had dementia and possibly Alzheimer’s. By con-ducting a brain exam, doctors will be able to test my brain tissue and determine if I also have any physical evidence of the same problem. This information will help my children understand their risk of getting dementia and also help researchers find better treatments.

Joan PhilipsAt this point in my life, I do not have memory problems or dementia.

I enrolled in this program to help researchers under-stand how the brain changes as people age. Even if I am not diagnosed with dementia, I am helping doctors bet-ter understand the difference between normal memory loss and dementia, and the transition from one to the other. I believe that future generations will benefit from this research.

Memory and Aging StudyBrain Donation Program Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research CenterClinical Core

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Help Combat Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Loss: Join the Brain Donation ProgramThe Memory and Aging study sponsored by the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Clinical Core is conducting research to better understand memory loss that occurs due to aging and to find better ways to treat, cure and ultimately prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Brain donation at the time of death is one of the most important and generous gifts a patient with Alzheimer’s disease and his or her family can make.

Brain donations from older individuals who do not suffer from Alzheimer’s or cognitive impair-ment also are important to help us better under-stand changes in memory and behavior that occur due to aging.

Why Brain Donation Is Important• Brain donation and examination is the only way to reach a definite diagnosis of Alzheimer’s dis- ease or similar dementia, which provides valu- able insight and closure to loved ones.• An opportunity for patients and loved ones to provide a gift of hope to future generations in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, brain donation provides valuable information that can be used in developing better treatments for future patients.• Brain donation from people without symptoms of memory loss will help advance efforts to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and similar de- mentias, by providing important information that might make early intervention possible.

Making the DecisionBrain donation is a decision that individuals and their families can make only after thoughtful consideration. Members of the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Clinical Core staff are available to talk with you and answer your questions.

The time to start thinking about brain donation is now, while you can still discuss this decision with your loved ones. Take some time to think about these factors: • Diagnosis—Currently, Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions only can be diagnosed with 100 percent certainty through a brain examina- tion after death.• Concerns about genetic factors—If other family members develop Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders in the future, having a con- firmed diagnosis from someone who is ill now is important, especially when treatment becomes available.• Religious or cultural concerns—Religious or cultural factors may influence attitudes toward brain donation. Individuals may want to consult with religious leaders in their community.• Benevolence—Brain donation often helps fam- ily members feel that they have provided a gift of hope to future generations, by contributing to finding a cure.

Joining the Program Every participant of the Memory & Aging study is eligible to join the program, including people with or without memory problems. If you are not al-ready a Memory & Aging study participant, please let us know if you are interested in joining.

Cost of Brain DonationBrain donation does not cost anything. The Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Clinical Core will pay for all expenses involved with brain donation. Your family is responsible only for the cost of funeral arrangements.

Making ArrangementsThe Memory & Aging study staff is readily avail-able to discuss brain donation with you and your loved ones.

A completed brain donation registration form, available at the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Clinical Core, is all that is needed to participate in the program.

To be sure that your wishes will be honored, it is important to make the necessary arrangements well in advance and to inform your family and loved ones of your donation decision.

For more information about the Brain Donation Program, call the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Clinical Core at 410-550-9021.