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Centre de recherche CERVO

Brain Bank

Director: Martin Parent, Ph.D.

Origins of the bank

The Brain bank of the CERVO research centre was created in 1996 by Dr. André Parent.

This brain bank aims to help researchers study the organisation of the human brain and to better understand the causes of brain diseases in order to prevent and treat them. Over the last decades, the availability of brain tissue has been of crucial importance for the understanding of certain neurological and psychiatric diseases. In addition, this type of material has contributed significantly to the development of new treatments which have a major impact on the quality of life of people suffering from diverse neuropsychiatric illnesses.

A bank in full expansion !

The CERVO brain bank contains material coming from over 500 brains.
The CERVO brain bank receives new brain donations every year, which allows studies of neurodegenerative (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, etc.) and psychiatric (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc…) diseases.
The CERVO brain bank contributes to the achievement of major scientific work, the results of which are published in prestigious scientific publications.

Who can donate ?

Any individual, irrespective of their physical or mental health status, can donate his or her brain, as long as a consent form specific from brain donation is signed by the person or by his or her representative if they are judged inapt.

Brain donation is not part of the organ donation agreement signed in the back of the medicare card. Participation of the donor is entirely voluntary and does not provide financial rewards. The person, or representative can at any time revoke the donation, without having to give justification or suffering prejudice.

What are the advantages and drawbacks of donation ?

The advantages of donation are linked to the new knowledge that researchers can gain through the study of the brain. In addition, if the donor suffers from a neurodegenerative disorder, the neuropathological diagnostic could confirm the clinical diagnostic, which constitutes precious information for the donor’s family.

The donor or his or her representative could view as a potential risk a breach of confidentiality of his or her identity and medical record. However, very strict and precise provisions are taken by the brain bank personnel to ensure the confidentiality of the records and files.