Neuropathology (Brain Examination)

In some cases, specialized examination of the brain in a death may be very useful. Neuropathology is the study of how disease processes affect the brain. Examination of only the brain may be appropriate when a family would like to know why their loved one had memory loss, or other dementia-type symptoms. Specialized procedures on the brain may be performed in these types of cases. Pathologists with additional training in neuropathology are the ones best fitted to do these types of examinations. Certain dementing processes and other diseases that affect the brain can have a genetic basis, and brain examination can potentially provide valuable information to a family.