Brain Support Network

Northern California Bay Area Support Group

Caregiving, especially for loved ones with neurological disorders, is never easy. Join us every six weeks in San Mateo for our caregiver-only support group meetings. The meetings are suitable for caregivers dealing with one of the four atypical parkinsonism disorders.

Only Brain Autopsies Deliver Certain Diagnosis

Neurological diseases are often diagnosed incorrectly. In fact, up to 50% of atypical parkinsonian disorders are incorrectly diagnosed, even by neurologists. Only brain autopsies can deliver a diagnosis that is certain to be correct.

Human Brain Tissue Is Essential to Neurological Research

Genetic studies look for associations between DNA and confirmed diagnoses. Other studies look for correlations between clinical records (symptoms before death) and pathological details (confirmed disease).

Plan Ahead For Brain Donations

Advance planning for brain donation greatly improves the chances of success. Since the tissue must be procured within 24 hours of a loved one's passing, it's best if the arrangements are figured out before grief and stress over take the family.

Over 50% of Diagnoses by Neurologists Are Wrong

Only brain autopsies can deliver a certain diagnosis. Because symptoms of many neurological diseases overlap, clinical assessment is often incorrect, even when the diagnosis is delivered by an experienced neurologist.

Get Educated About LBD/DLB, PSP, MSA, and CBD/CBS

The Brain Support Network team regularly reviews resources made available by research organizations and disease interest groups. Most of these resources are available on the Web. See our lists of top resources for each disorder.

Stay Current with Email Updates

Sign up for tailored emails. Focus on specific neurological disorders or choose among other subjects relevant to caregivers. BSN reviews the medical journals and popular press saving you time. Our web site's blog entries capture historical emails across all categories.

LEARN ABOUT THE DISORDERS

…to ensure the best possible care and to aid
effective communication with your care team.

LBD PSP MSA CBD

ARRANGE A BRAIN DONATION

…to receive a confirmed diagnosis and to
contribute to the search for a cure.

IMMEDIATE SOON

end of life is days awayend of life is up to 6 months away