Gross anatomical examination is performed by a neuropathologist with neurohistopathological characterization primarily performed using H&E-stained sections with additional stains including cresyl violet, luxol fast blue, and Bodian silver. Immunohistochemical assays for (pathological) tau, ubiquitin, alpha synuclein, and beta amyloid are performed when indicated by relevant clinical information; these stains help to diagnose dementias such as Alzheimer's disease. All cases over the age of 50 years undergo a modified Braak staging screen (Halliday et al., 2002). The remainder of the fixed material is stored indefinitely in 10% formalin until required for research purposes.
