Ever wondered what happens to your brain after you die? In Singapore, it's collected for a groundbreaking mission to cure diseases.
In response to the growing number of neurodegenerative disease cases in Southeast Asia, Singapore has taken a significant step by establishing Brain Bank Singapore (BBS), the first human brain tissue repository and research facility in the region.
Located on the campus of NTU’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, this facility plays a crucial role in supporting scientific studies on brain diseases that remain poorly understood.
Why Is a Brain Bank Needed?
Singapore’s population is aging rapidly, which has led to a rise in the prevalence of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. It is estimated that more than 100,000 people in Singapore will be living with dementia by 2030—a figure that highlights the urgent need for more in-depth neurological research.
Unfortunately, limited access to human brain tissue, particularly from Asian populations, has been a major barrier to the development of effective therapies. Post-mortem brain donation is therefore key to advancing our understanding of the biological mechanisms behind these diseases.
The Role of Brain Bank Singapore in Scientific Research
BBS actively collects and preserves brain and spinal cord tissue from deceased donors for use in ethically approved research. These samples are vital for studying biological pathways and cellular changes caused by neurological disorders, both in affected patients and healthy individuals.
Since its establishment in 2019, BBS has received commitments from over 400 potential donors and has successfully retrieved 11 brains and 7 spinal cord for research purposes.
Modern technology allows scientists to map brain cell types and their distribution in detail, particularly in Alzheimer’s cases. This data could pave the way for more targeted and effective treatments.
BBS also supports research into neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder—conditions that still pose significant medical mysteries.
Collaborative Steps in Brain Science
Brain Bank Singapore was established through a collaboration between NTU’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI), the National Healthcare Group (NHG), and NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. It is now part of a global network of fewer than 200 brain banks worldwide.
In Asia, such facilities remain rare, with only a few located in countries like China, India, and South Korea.
Challenges in Brain Donation
Despite the significant scientific benefits of brain donation, numerous challenges persist. One of the biggest obstacles is the general lack of public awareness about the importance of brain tissue donation—often due to cultural and religious beliefs concerning burial without the brain.
These concerns frequently lead to hesitation, even though the retrieval process is conducted ethically and does not alter the physical appearance of the deceased.
BBS ensures that the tissue collection process is performed promptly—ideally within 24 to a maximum of 48 hours after death—to preserve tissue quality. This procedure is carried out with great respect and does not interfere with the family’s funeral arrangements.
The Future of Neurological Research in Southeast Asia
With the number of individuals affected by neurological and psychiatric disorders projected to increase by 50% by 2030, research in this field is becoming increasingly urgent.
Initiatives like Brain Bank Singapore play a vital role in enabling medical breakthroughs that could transform the way we diagnose, prevent, and treat diseases that are currently managed only symptomatically.
Through brain tissue donation, researchers can develop therapies that not only alleviate symptoms but also slow—or potentially halt—progressive brain damage. This is a crucial step toward building a better future for the millions of people worldwide affected by brain-related illnesses.
