Donors in brain bank deposit (From The Northern Echo)

Donors in brain bank deposit

8:00am Tuesday 7th February 2012 in NHS & Health News By Barry Nelson, Health Editor

DEMENTIA researchers in the North-East are calling for more people to consider brain donation after their “brain bank” recruited its 200th donor in the region.

The Newcastle University brain bank is part of a £2m initiative called Brains for Dementia Research, which collects brain tissue to help scientists defeat dementia.

Despite reaching the 200 milestone, scientists say more people in the North-East need to make the same pledge.

Roy and Susan Mellor, from Consett, County Durham, have jointly become the brain bank’s 200th donor.

Mr Mellor, a retired engineer, has vascular dementia and has signed up as a dementia donor. His wife, a retired social worker, has signed up as a normal brain donor.

Last night, Mrs Mellor said: “I think it is terrifically important that more people sign up. Dementia is one of the most seriously underfunded diseases as far as research is concerned, and it is a massive problem.”

The couple have been married for 48 years and have three children and seven grandchildren.

“Roy was diagnosed with vascular dementia in May 2008. We live a very normal, ordinary life and he is aware of his condition,” said Mrs Mellor.

The couple were recently involved in setting up a Memory Cafe, a cafe for people with dementia funded by the Rotary Club Derwentside.

Brains for Dementia Research, jointly funded by the charities Alzheimer’s Research UK and Alzheimer’s Society, was set up in 2007 to address a nationwide need for brain tissue. The Newcastle brain bank is one of six assessment and donation centres across the UK and recruits donors from across the North-East. The brain tissue it collects will allow scientists to unravel the biology of dementia and will help in the search for vital new treatments.

Dr Chris Morris, scientific director of the Newcastle Brain Tissue Resource, said: “It is brilliant news and we would like to say a big thank you to those who have already agreed to donate. We understand that brain donation is a very personal decision, which should be supported by friends and family, but we would urge more people in the region to find out about what it is and how they could get involved.”

To find out how to donate your brain call 0191 248 1231 or email nbtr@ncl.ac.uk.