NSW: Thousands queue up to donate their brains

00-00-0000
NSW: Thousands queue up to donate their brains

Thousands of people have offered to donate their brains to science following the launchof a donor program.

Former prime minister GOUGH WHITLAM has led the charge -- becoming the first donorto pledge his grey matter.

While brain banks exist throughout Australia and other countries, the program is thefirst in the world specifically for non-diseased brains.

Program head Professor CLIVE HARPER from Sydney University says the website and callcentre have been inundated with prospective donors -- with about 2,000 people registeredso far.

Researchers hope to compare healthy brains with diseased ones, which Professor HARPERsays will make major inroads in the understanding of conditions like depression, schizophrenia,Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

The brain bank will also provide an insight into the effects on the brain of alcohol,drugs and malnutrition.

Anyone interested in registering can go to www.braindonors.org or call 1800 INVITEor 1800 468483.

AAP RTV jjs/arb/rp

KEYWORD: BRAIN (SYDNEY)