Alzheimer's charity welcomes brain tissue database

A new online database which allows researchers to access brain tissue samples has been welcomed by Alzheimer's Research UK.

Launched late last month by the Medical Research Council (MRC), the database enables scientists to obtain more than 7,000 samples from donated human brains so they can study a range of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia.

Professor James Ironside, director of the MRC's UK Brain Banks Network[,] said the database is the result of more than four years of work.

He added: "We must remember that vital research would not be possible without the generosity of those individuals who donate their brains to medical research."

"We're working hard to make sure that the access for researchers studying brain samples is much easier."

Dr Simon Ridley, head of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said studies using brain tissue will help advance knowledge on conditions such as dementia so that new treatments can be developed.

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