Brain Tossed

Megan Hockin, a woman who died at 45 from a rare and aggressive form of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), donated her brain to the National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center (NPDPSC). Her husband, Mike, advocated for the donation to help advance research into prion diseases. CJD is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by rapidly progressive dementia and motor dysfunction. The NPDPSC plays a crucial role in tracking and diagnosing prion diseases in the United States. Analyzing donated brains like Megan's allows scientists to better understand the causes, progression, and potential treatments for these diseases. CJD can occur spontaneously, be inherited, or be acquired through medical procedures. Megan's case was particularly puzzling as she had no known risk factors. The article highlights the importance of brain donation in prion disease research. By studying brain tissue, researchers can identify specific prion strains, assess the extent of brain damage, and investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease. This research aims to improve diagnostic methods, develop effective therapies, and ultimately prevent the spread of prion diseases. Mike hopes that Megan's contribution will provide valuable insights for future generations and help to alleviate the suffering caused by CJD. find the original article here: https://www.yahoo.com/news/woman-donated-her-brain-scientists-202009325.html