'I donated my mum's body to Alzheimer's research instead she was blown to pieces'
Her son said 'she was strapped in a chair, and a detonation took place underneath her'
One Arizona man thought he was donating his mother's body to science after her harrowing descent in Alzheimer's - only to discover he had been sent her cremated arm before the rest of her body was strapped to a chair and blown up.
Jim Stauffer cared for his mother Doris throughout her illness before she died at 74 in 2013. He decided to donate her brain to science hoping to contribute to a cure for Alzheimer's disease. The family contacted Biological Resource Center, a local company that brokered the donation of human bodies for research. Within the hour, BRC dispatched a driver to collect Doris.
Jim signed a form authorizing medical research on his mother's body. Ten days later, Jim received his mother's cremated remains - but it turns out her ashes were made up of a singular arm sawn off from her body. The rest of her corpse had met a violent fate.
Doris' brain never was used for Alzheimer's research. Instead, her body became part of an Army experiment to measure damage caused by roadside bombs, reports the Irish Star.
Internal BRC and military records show that at least 20 other bodies were also used in the blast experiments without permission of the donors or their relatives, a violation of U.S. Army policy. Jim had also ticked a box specifically banning any kind of experiments on Doris. BRC sold donated bodies like Stauffer's for $5,893 each.
Jim said: "She was strapped in a chair, and a detonation took place underneath her to get an idea of what the human body goes through when a vehicle is hit by an IED. There was wording on this paperwork about performing tests that may involve explosions, and we said, 'No'."
Army officials involved in the project said they never received the consent forms that donors or their families had signed. Rather, the officials said they relied on assurances from BRC that families had agreed to let the bodies be used in such experiments.
BRC, which sold more than 20,000 parts from some 5,000 human bodies over a decade, is no longer in business. Its former owner, Stephen Gore, pleaded guilty to fraud in 2022. In a statement to Reuters, Gore said that he always tried to honor the wishes of donors and sent consent forms when researchers requested them. Jim said of Gore "He didn't care about the families, he didn't care about the people."
Jim learned of the fate of his mother's body from a Reuters reporter and "curled his lip in anger and clutched his wife Lisa's arm. "We did right," Lisa reassured him. "They just did not honor our wishes."
No federal law regulates body brokers like BRC, and no U.S. government agency monitors what happens to cadavers pledged for use in medical education and research.
"It is not illegal to sell a whole body or the parts of a body for research or education," said University of Iowa law professor Sheldon F. Kurtz, who helped modify the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, which has been adopted by 46 states. Although the act was updated in 2006, Kurtz said, "the issue of whole bodies or body parts for research or education never came up during our discussions."
Since then, the body trade has become big business. Only one state, New York, keeps detailed records on the industry.
According to the most recent data available, companies that did business in New York shipped at least 100,000 body parts across the country from 2011 to 2014. Reuters obtained the data, which have never been made public, from the state's health department.
"I feel foolish," said Jim. "I'm not a trusting person, but, you have no idea this is going on." Military officials said they took BRC's word that permission had been given. Records show at least 20 more bodies were blown up without consent.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The 52p herb that could help prevent Alzheimer's – plus 3 other ways it can benefit your health
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KNOWN for its strong, pine-like flavour and its use in various dishes, rosemary has a lot more going for it than its scent and taste. The popular herb is starting to gain recognition for its impressive health benefits, especially when it comes to brain health, inflammation and immune function. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Rosemary has been shown to benefit the brain in several ways Credit: Getty And research published this year suggests it could even help in the fight against Alzheimer's disease - the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Rosemary has previously been linked to memory and mental clarity. In ancient Greece and Rome, students and scholars used rosemary to sharpen concentration and recall, says Dipa Kamdar, senior lecturer in pharmacy practice at Kingston University. Writing for The Conversation, she explains: "Modern science is finding there may have been something in this: in one study, people who inhaled rosemary's scent performed better on memory takes compared to those in an unscented environment." There are several ways rosemary benefits the brain, says Kamdar. Firstly, it stimulates blood circulation, including to the brain, helping deliver more oxygen and nutrients, which may improve mental clarity. It also has calming properties, with some studies suggesting its aroma can reduce anxiety and improve sleep - lower stress means better focus and memory retention. Kamdar adds: "Rosemary contains compounds that interact with the brain's neurotransmitters. One such compound, 1,8-cineole, helps prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical essential for learning and memory. By preserving acetylcholine, rosemary may help support cognitive performance, especially as we age." And rosemary's antioxidants may also help protect brain cells from damage caused by oxidative stress - which is a major factor in cognitive decline. Kamdar says: " Rosemary is rich in phytochemicals, plant compounds with health-enhancing effects. One of the most powerful is carnosic acid, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that helps shield brain cells from harm, particularly from the kinds of damage linked to Alzheimer's disease." Five simple tests that could indicate dementia What are rosemary's benefits beyond brain health? 2 Rosemary may aid digestion by stimulating the liver to produce bile Credit: Getty As well as boosting brain health, studies suggest rosemary may aid digestion by stimulating the liver to produce bile, which helps the body digest fat. In a study with mice, it was shown to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, potentially aiding in the management of IBS and other inflammatory bowel ailments. And rosemary supplementation may also positively impact the gut microbiota, increasing beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Bacteroidetes, while reducing harmful bacteria like Escherichia coli. Rosemary may also be able to improve immune function. Some studies, particularly in vitro and animal models, suggest that rosemary and its active compounds, like carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, can influence immune function. Other studies have shown rosemary may promote immune cell activity, such as increasing antibody production or enhancing the activity of immune cells like dendritic cells. Finally, rosemary could prevent certain cancers. Rosemary has been proven to display powerful anticancer efficacy in numerous cancers, including lung, prostate, liver, and breast. Carnosic acid appears to be the plant's primary anticancer component, as it was found in one study to exhibit antiproliferative effects in cancer cells.
STV News
5 hours ago
- STV News
Alzheimer's research suffers 'devastating blow' after new drug rejected by NHS
A woman who has Alzheimer's disease has said the progression of research has suffered a 'devastating blow' after a new drug was rejected for use by NHS Scotland. Donanemab delays the onset of dementia and works by targeting a cause of the disease, rather than just treating its symptoms. But the Scottish Medicines Consortium says there isn't enough evidence to prove how well it works. Recently retired Rynagh has lived an enviable life, growing up in Ireland, moving to the US, and attending New York University. Coming to Scotland, she expected to live out the rest of her life in peaceful retirement. Instead, she found out she had dementia. She's now thrown into finding a cure for Alzheimer's – and says the rejection of this drug is a massive blow. 'What would it take to approve a drug for dementia?', she said. 'Because it seems to be a lost in space for people. There aren't annual check-ups or anything like there are with other diseases. So there's no record of decline, which is unusual when you think about how progress is made with other diseases over time. 'Think about polio, leprosy, and cancer. They were known many years ago, but we don't talk about them because of the needs and the cost. 'And I understand that cost is a factor, but the burden on society, even in comparison to those other diseases, is tremendous. Absolutely. And only tremendous. It's not just the individual, it's the community, it's the family. 'It's the cost to the next generation for what they lose out by having to provide that care and not being able to support their own families, immediate families, in the way that they will.' Donanemab works when antibodies are given by infusion into a vein in the arm – they then bind with amyloids in the brain, a protein that builds up in Alzheimer's patients, and leads to cognitive decline. Those antibodies trigger immune cells, which clear the amyloid – and slow down the alzheimer's process. The Scottish Medicines Consortium rejected donanemab for use on the NHS as it said there wasn't 'enough evidence of how well it works.' Meanwhile manufacturer Lilly claims the decision 'does not consider … the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness' of the drug. It's left campaigners worried about the future of dementia research. Henry Simmons, chief executive of Alzheimer Scotland, said: 'The process that all drugs go through at present at the both the NHS in Scotland and England is a reasonable process however, we don't think it is a reasonable way to tackle the issues we face in terms of the size and scale of dementia, and what we are calling for is a rethink on that.' There's hope the SMC will reconsider the drug, but in the meantime, Rynagh hopes people living with dementia don't give up – and that awareness of the illness continues to grow. 'Well, when it comes down to it, it is the public', she added. 'And if the public doesn't have the awareness, they won't push. 'You know, like 66% is that about two thirds of people with dementia are women. Women typically are the caregivers, but then they need the care and it becomes this cycle and it is increasing instead of decreasing. 'And also with the population pyramid is kind of changing as well. We know that that the elderly population is getting bigger and that's it's a disaster that you should be able to see. 'It's not that you're seeing one seventh of the iceberg. We're now coming to the point where it's so far above the water, it should be that you can go around us and go through it and disperse it, but are not even talking about it at the level that we need to be talking about it.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Daily Mail
All the conditions that mean you wouldn't get called up to the army
By Diabetes , chronic migraines, Raynaud's. They're just three out of a 60-strong list of conditions that would rule you out of serving in the Army. It comes after the UK's most senior soldier warned yesterday that a 'citizen army' would be needed for any direct confrontation with Vladimir Putin . Although he stopped short of backing conscription, General Sir Patrick Sanders said preparing for war against Russia should be a 'whole-of-nation' undertaking, including what he described as 'national mobilisation'. High blood pressure High blood pressure, known medically as hypertension, is estimated to affect 14.4million people in the UK — a quarter of all adults. Of these, a staggering four million are thought to be undiagnosed, as they have never been tested. The condition is flagged among 'cardiovascular problems' by the British Army. Checks are available for free via GP surgeries and, if you're over 40, at many pharmacies. As a general guide, ideal blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60 and 120/80 — or below 150/90 if you're aged over 80. High blood pressure, meanwhile, is considered to be 140/90 — or 150/90 or over if you're aged over 80. Between 120/80 and 140/90 means that you are at risk of developing the condition if you don't take preventative measures. Piles Constipation, pushing too hard when pooing, heavy lifting and pregnancy are some of the causes of haemorrhoids, also known as piles, which take the form of lumps in and around the anus, according to the NHS . Bright red blood after you poo, an itchy anus and lumps around your anus are signs you may be suffering from piles, which are swollen blood vessels. For some the lumps are temporary and get better after a few days once diet and bowel habits, go back to normal. But if symptoms worsen or last more than a week, a GP may prescribe stronger medicines. They may also check your symptoms are not being caused by something else. Army chiefs warn against joining or delaying your application to join if suffering from 'active haemorrhoids'. Among the common hospital treatments include rubber band ligation — a band placed around your piles to make them drop off — and sclerotherapy, a liquid injected into your piles to make them shrink. Up to 80 per cent of people suffer piles at some point in their lives, it is estimated. Migraines Migraines typically feel like a very bad headache, with a throbbing pain on one side of the skull. They can last anywhere between hours or days. Sufferers can get warning signs before a migraine strikes, such as stiff neck, fatigue or vision changes like seeing zigzag lines (an 'aura'). An estimated one in seven Brits suffer from some form of migraine. However, in September health officials revealed around 13,000 Brits suffering from severe and untreatable migraines would benefit from a pill that can prevent attacks. Food intolerances A food allergy requiring you to avoid some foods or an intolerance is among another common reason that may prevent or delay you from joining, according to the British Army. However, it notes: 'You can still apply to join the army even if your medical history includes one or more of these conditions. 'The medical team assess everyone individually, and make their decisions based on their professional opinion in keeping with prescribed army standards.' Unlike with most other forms of chronic illness, people with allergies are usually fit between attacks and may have high levels of personal fitness. However, the Army cannot guarantee to serve food which is free from nuts or other potential allergens. A soldier suffering an allergic reaction while on deployment may also tie up one or more other personnel to look after them. Diabetes More than five million people in the UK are thought to have diabetes of some form. Being fat can lead to type 2, the most common type. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin (a hormone which controls absorption of sugar into the blood) or when cells do not react to insulin properly. Type 1, on the other hand, has nothing to do with being overweight. The lifelong condition is caused by the body's immune system mistakenly attacking and destroying cells that produce insulin. Excess fat in the liver increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes as the buildup makes it harder to control glucose levels, and also makes the body more resistant to insulin. Raynaud's With Raynaud's, freezing temperatures can trigger miniature spasms in your blood vessels, cutting off the blood supply to the outermost parts of the body. Usually the phenomenon attacks the fingers but sometimes also the toes, ears and tip of the nose. In rare cases, it can affect your nipples. Areas affected will turn white and eventually blue. Then, as blood flow returns, they morph into a shade of red. Attacks – which can cause a burning or tingling sensation and numbness – can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. Warming up the fingers, or anywhere that has been affected, stops a flare-up in its tracks. Up to 20 per cent of adults are thought to have Raynaud's. Although attacks peak in the cold winter months, symptoms can be triggered by every day tasks such as taking food out of the freezer, air conditioning, or even stress — all of which cause blood vessels to contract. A small number of patients go on to develop a more serious connective tissue disease, scleroderma, which can cause disability and even prove fatal if not treated properly. As well as warming up your hands and toes, Raynaud's can also be thwarted with a drug called nifedipine, which improves circulation.
