AUTOPSY PRACTICES AT CERAD AND ALZHEIMER-DISEASE CENTER SITES - A SURVEY OF NEUROPATHOLOGISTS

A questionnaire, collecting information on methods used at neuropathol ogy core facilities for handling of brain autopsies on dementia and co ntrol subjects, was sent to 29 CERAD (Consortium to Establish a Regist ry for Alzheimer's Disease) and/or Alzheimer's Disease Center (ADC) si tes. Neuropathologists shared their successes and concerns in response to questions regarding administrative, technical, and neuropathologic al procedures for brain autopsies and tissue banking. Adequacy of fisc al support and staff, scarcity of control cases, and logistical aspect s of autopsy coordination emerged a as common problems. Successful str ategies included the designation of dedicated autopsy coordinators, en hanced relationships with community hospital pathologists and funeral homes, and increased multilevel educational efforts on the importance of the autopsy.