Willingness to donate the brain on death for scientific research purposes in northeastern Mexico

Myrna L. Yeverino-Gutiérrez, Pharmacology Laboratory, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
María del R. González-González, Microbiology Laboratory, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
Ruth Corral-Symes, Academy of Chemistry-Pharmaceutical-Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
Mariela Arellano-Rodríguez, Academy of Chemistry-Pharmaceutical-Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
Omar González-Santiago, Postgraduate in Pharmacy Coordination Faculty of Chemical Science, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the willingness of inhabitants of Metropolitan Monterrey, Mexico, to donate their brains after death for scientific research purposes. Methods: An electronic survey with multiple-choice questions was administered online. Survey addresses willingness to donate their brains and the factors that may influence this decision. The survey was distributed through major social media platforms for 9 months. Percentages were calculated, and differences between groups were assessed with the χ2 test. Results: A total of 350 people responded to the survey. Of these, 68.5% were female, 85.4% were between 18 and 39 years old, 76.2% were single or divorced, 71.1% practiced some religion, 72.9% had a bachelor’s degree or higher, and 64.6% reported incomes ≤ 19,999 Mexican pesos. When asked, “How likely are you to donate your brain for scientific research after death?,” 64.9% responded “highly likely” or “likely.” The main reasons for donating were as follows: (1) “I like the idea that studying my brain could help save lives,” and (2) “I believe I won’t need my organs after death.” Conversely, the main reasons for not donating were as follows: (1) “Fear that my organs might be taken prematurely when recovery is still possible,” and (2) “I don’t like thinking about it.” Conclusions: A high proportion of Metropolitan Monterrey Mexico´s inhabitants are willing to donate their brains after death for scientific research purposes.

Keywords: Brain donation. Mexico. Organ donation. Monterrey.