Welcome to brain Stuff from How Stuff Works. Hey, brain Stuff, I'm Lauren Vogelbaum, and you don't have to be sitting on a mountain of cash when you die. To leave a little something for your loved ones and the rest of humanity, researchers are looking for a few are lots of good men and women to donate their brains to science. These gifts are key to research that may change the way a wide range of ailments are treated, including Alzheimer's
disease and dementia. Of course, the idea of having your organs picked over by strangers when the sun sets on your time here among the living is enough to give some of us the willies. Here are a few things you should know about donating your brain to science. Obviously, the decision to donate anybody part is something that you have to reach before you die, but it's also important that people know about your choice before you leave this
world for whatever might come next. A brain donor's body has to be refrigerated or the brain put on ice within six hours of death, according to researchers at Harvard Universe d. But yes, you can still have an open casket funeral if you decide to give the gift of your brain after death, a person's face and hair are not disturbed by the brain removal process, so your loved ones are still able to have that one last look if that's your preferred funerary practice. However, be aware that
the procedure is not tax deductible. Sure, agreeing to give up your brain or any other organ to science is one of the more charitable things a person can do, but that doesn't mean it's treated as a charitable donation for tax purposes. But you don't need to have a brain ailment to participate in a donation program. Researchers want access to healthy brains so they can compare tissue to
those with various diseases. By the way, the average adult human brain weighs about three pounds that's one point three six ms, or about two percent of a person's total body weight. If you decide to go ahead with brain donation, there are certain steps required to seal the deal. Designating yourself as an organ donor on your driver's license alone does not give researchers the right to take your brain, but can sent for Brain donation can be given by
next of kin immediately following death. So if it's something you want to do, you should talk with your family and friends about it, share your wishes, and register beforehand to donate your brain. If you are interested, run a search for the Brain Donor Project. It's a great starting place for information and resources. Today's episode was written by Chris Opfer and produced by Tyler Clang. For more on this and lots of other Brinkley topics, visit our home planet, how Stuff Works dot com.