Brain donation for research: Features of the brain donors from the InveCe.Ab population‐based cohort

Background Research on brain tissue is essential to understand the biological mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases and brain aging processes.Brain donation for research is influenced by many factors both in clinical and non‐clinical samples. The aim of the present study is to explore the features associated with the decision to join the brain donation program of the Abbiategrasso Brain Bank (ABB) in the context of a population‐based study on brain aging. Method The longitudinal cohort study InveCe.Ab enrolled participants aged 70‐75 years and residing in Abbiategrasso (MI). During the second follow‐up of the study (2014), the participants fill a questionnaire to investigate attitudes through brain donation for research purpose (N=1010). We compared socio‐cultural aspects and questionnaire responses between participants who adhere to brain donation (N=163; 16,1%) and those who refuse (N=847) using Student’s t Test and chi‐squared test when appropriate. Variables showing significant differences in the group comparisons were included in a logistic regression model with brain donation status (yes/no) as the dependent variable. Result The groups were comparable for age and sex, while ABB donors were significantly more educated (donors: 7,74, non‐donors: 6,70; p=0,000), more frequently prone to organ donation (donors: 93,4%; non‐donors: 64,3%, p=0,000) and to cremation (donors: 76,8%; non‐donors: 44,8%; p=0,000). Among those who were favorable for brain donation in the questionnaire, only 43,6% actually signed up for brain donation (p=0,000). Moreover, brain donation was associated with friends relationship satisfaction (donors: 96,5%; non‐donors: 91,4%; p=0,023) and better self‐reported health (donors: 83,3%; non‐donors: 73,4%; p=0,028), despite no difference between groups was found in the number of chronic disease (p=0,49). Finally, in the multivariable model, being prone to organ donation was the main factor associated with actual registration for brain donation. The availability for cremation remained significant only for males. Conclusion Despite a positive attitude through brain donation in nearly half of the respondents, only a minority of older adults actually engage in a brain donation program. Being prone to organ donation was the main factor associated with brain donation subscription. The donors were more educated, with a positive attitude through their health and their relationships with friends.