Posted on Jul 13, 2015
Are you a TBI? These folks want to talk to you!
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If you have post-traumatic stress or a blast-related traumatic brain injury, two research institutes want your brains.
Not now, of course — when you're done using them.
The Veterans Affairs Department's National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder has launched the first brain tissue repository to study PTSD, following the Defense Department's launch in late 2013 of its own brain bank for research.
The two facilities hope to enhance the scientific catalog of neuroscience, say officials with the departments.
Dr. Matthew Friedman, senior adviser to the VA center, said researchers can learn much by studying brain images, but there's "no substitute for looking at the neurons themselves" when it comes to decoding the complex, mysterious body organ.
Understanding changes at the cellular and synaptic levels is critical to finding potential biological signs for developing PTSD and other mental health conditions, diagnosing disorders and treating them, Friedman said.
The Leahy-Friedman National Brain Repository for PTSD — named for Friedman, who previously served as the national center's executive director, and Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., who led the push to fund the the brain bank — is looking for veterans with and without PTSD to track now and study their brains and other tissues after they die.
Friedman said the brain bank would be "very grateful" to veterans who decide to participate.
Several medical centers and research institutions are involved in the repository initiative, including VA hospitals in Boston, San Antonio, West Haven, Connecticut, and White River Junction, Vermont.
The Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, also plays a role, with psychiatrists reviewing veterans' medical records to analyze their medical backgrounds.
USUHS hosts DoD's Brain Tissue Repository for Traumatic Brain Injury as part of its Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine.
Researchers at the military's medical school also are asking veterans to donate their brains to science, but are seeking those with brain injuries. They hope former service members will make their intentions known in their wills or tell family members they want to participate.
Studies of these brains will advance the understanding of TBI and other diseases of the brain, including dementia, Alzheimer's and chronic traumatic encephalopathy, as well as brain function after injury, according to a DoD official.
Veterans with PTSD or those without who are interested in furthering the science of trauma-related mental health disorders by enrolling in the brain bank can call the center at [login to see] or visit its website.
Those with traumatic brain injury or family members who want to contribute their loved ones' tissue can contact the repository through its web site http://www.researchbraininjury.org/brain-tissue-donation or email the center at
http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/benefits/health-care/2015/07/12/va-dod-looking-for-good-and-damaged-brains/29910575/
Not now, of course — when you're done using them.
The Veterans Affairs Department's National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder has launched the first brain tissue repository to study PTSD, following the Defense Department's launch in late 2013 of its own brain bank for research.
The two facilities hope to enhance the scientific catalog of neuroscience, say officials with the departments.
Dr. Matthew Friedman, senior adviser to the VA center, said researchers can learn much by studying brain images, but there's "no substitute for looking at the neurons themselves" when it comes to decoding the complex, mysterious body organ.
Understanding changes at the cellular and synaptic levels is critical to finding potential biological signs for developing PTSD and other mental health conditions, diagnosing disorders and treating them, Friedman said.
The Leahy-Friedman National Brain Repository for PTSD — named for Friedman, who previously served as the national center's executive director, and Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., who led the push to fund the the brain bank — is looking for veterans with and without PTSD to track now and study their brains and other tissues after they die.
Friedman said the brain bank would be "very grateful" to veterans who decide to participate.
Several medical centers and research institutions are involved in the repository initiative, including VA hospitals in Boston, San Antonio, West Haven, Connecticut, and White River Junction, Vermont.
The Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, also plays a role, with psychiatrists reviewing veterans' medical records to analyze their medical backgrounds.
USUHS hosts DoD's Brain Tissue Repository for Traumatic Brain Injury as part of its Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine.
Researchers at the military's medical school also are asking veterans to donate their brains to science, but are seeking those with brain injuries. They hope former service members will make their intentions known in their wills or tell family members they want to participate.
Studies of these brains will advance the understanding of TBI and other diseases of the brain, including dementia, Alzheimer's and chronic traumatic encephalopathy, as well as brain function after injury, according to a DoD official.
Veterans with PTSD or those without who are interested in furthering the science of trauma-related mental health disorders by enrolling in the brain bank can call the center at [login to see] or visit its website.
Those with traumatic brain injury or family members who want to contribute their loved ones' tissue can contact the repository through its web site http://www.researchbraininjury.org/brain-tissue-donation or email the center at
http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/benefits/health-care/2015/07/12/va-dod-looking-for-good-and-damaged-brains/29910575/
Posted in these groups: 
TBI
TBI
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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So they have a "brain bank" to study PTSD yet they still employ psychiatrists who "don't believe" in PTSD. Fan freaking tastic. Thank you Marion, Indiana VA.
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I suffer with both, but do not care for the study, because waiting for a veteran to die to determine what he or she suffers from is stupid. Best to approach it from the science of "If walks, talks, and behave like a duck it is a Duck". Either use common sense diagnosis or take this doctors and expose them to the same traumas so that they see for themselves.
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SGT (Join to see)
They're scientists. They'll ask any question no matter how gruesome. All in the name of science. At least, I hope they're scientists. "Oh no! You mean I've volunteered my brain to be studied by monkeys!?" Take it from an anatomist's focus... That $&;t is interesting! And dude (or dude-ette) is dead as a door nail at the moment. They may have been 23, 56, or 89 years old, but one of the last few things we can do when they're gone is to discover stuff. The stuff scientists discover will help people in the near future.
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Sgt Tim Brooks
I suffer from both and care for the study. I'm also studying to become a doctor. The DMS can only do some much but the problem isn't diagnosing the injuries, it's better treatment plans. If you haven't notice suicides are on the rise, treatment plans aren't all that great. We are going to die one way or another. Once dead you can still help your brothers and sisters. That to me is worth it. But great you aren't a fan of it but don't spew your negativity around and undermine the work these awesome doctors are doing. I would expect more from an officer!
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CPT Pedro Meza
Sgt Tim Brooks - I was diagnosed by a Nurse Practitioner in 09, that observed me having difficulties while trying to pay at the VA cafeteria. So Doctor talk to your nurses that have more experience treating patients.
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Sgt Tim Brooks
Meza yeah you clearly have no idea what you're talking about. Nurses go to a four year school, NP go for an additional two years. A diagnosis is a lot more complex than having issues with paying for an item. It has to be diagnosed by a MD who has done an examination of the body, mental examinations ( written test), and a CT scan of the brain. A neurologist spend four years in undergrad, four years in medical school, with another 6-8 years as a resident then another four in a fellowship. Nurses are great don't get me wrong but a doctor knows a lot more and has a lot more hands on than a nurse. I have been in four different blast and have been under treatment since 2006, once I was medically retired I decided to become a doctor. Check your facts.
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Some people aren't really using theirs, are you sure they can't take early donations?
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