Brain Bank for Aging Research is a collaborative initiative between the research and clinical divisions of the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology. Its aim is to build a brain preservation system for medical research, with the goal of overcoming age-related motor and cognitive disorders. In addition to autopsy cases from our own center, we also accept cases from other institutions with consent from the bereaved families, contributing to the development of this research resource (based on a formal request form).
While our brain bank differs from Western systems in that it is based primarily on hospital autopsy cases, we share the same core philosophy as articulated by Harvard University Brain Bank in the United States: that generously donated brains are part of the public domain and must be used for the benefit of public health. It is in this spirit that we adopt the term “brain bank.”
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
with Brain Bank for Aging Research
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Professor Kovacs, University of Toronto（2024 International Visiting Researcher Program）
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Professor Kovacs serves as the lead neuropathologist for the Vienna Longitudinal Aging Study and is also actively involved in education, mentoring many young researchers from both within and outside the country at his university laboratory.
As part of the international researcher invitation program, he visited our brain bank to promote standardization through international observation and to advance collaborative research. During his visit, he also gave a public lecture. - Japan Society of Neuropathology – Kanto Branch Meeting（July 13, University of Tokyo）
- Brain Bank for Aging Research Seminar（July 16）
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National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry（July 17）、Juntendo University（July 18）
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- 11th TOBIRA Research Exchange Forum – Presentation Materials
- 2018 International Brain Bank Symposium (hosted by Brain Bank for Aging Research)
About Collaborative Research
All collaborative research proposals are subject to preliminary review by external reviewers under strict confidentiality, similar to the peer-review process for academic publications. The eligibility of prospective collaborators is also evaluated by our institute, and those deemed qualified are formally appointed as affiliated research collaborators.
From an ethical standpoint, we obtain broad consent at the time of autopsy for the use of donated brain tissue in research aimed at improving motor and cognitive impairments in older adults. Collaborative research is permitted only when supported by public research funding and approved by both the ethics committee of the collaborating institution and the ethics committee of our center and institute.
Research Application
Please review the materials below for details on how to apply for research use. For inquiries, contact the staff member listed in the information provided.
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Application Documents:
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Application forms:
Resource-Based Research
We share research-related information with the families and associates of individuals who have donated brain tissue to Brain Bank for Aging Research.
Public NoticeNeuropathological Resources
- Kinki Branch of the Japanese Society of Neurology – Meeting Handouts
- Collaboration with Shizuoka Epilepsy and Neurological Center
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Brain Cutting Templates:
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Neuropathological Resources for Specialists (Japanese Society of Neurology Certified Specialists)