BRUNSWICK (AP) – Neurologists in Maine hope a controversy surrounding a now-suspended brain donation program does not discourage people from offering the organ after death to help scientists understand mental illnesses.

Peter Bridgman, a neurologist in Brunswick, is one of a growing number of people in Maine who have decided to donate their brains to science. As the father of a 14-year-old with autism, Bridgman carries a donor card in his wallet.

Doctors, however, say persuading people to donate their brains at death is especially important after allegations surfaced that a brain harvesting program in Maine sent 99 brains to a research lab without proper consent.

The program, which was operated by the state’s former funeral inspector, is being investigated by both state and federal officials.

“This is a very personal decision and shouldn’t be foisted on anyone,” said Carol Carothers of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Maine. But she said brain donations might someday help people who are suffering.

Donated brains are used by researchers looking at the physiological causes of ailments that, only decades ago, were blamed on things like bad parenting.

Scientists have found abnormal proteins linked to Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s diseases and are now studying how they are related to brain cells.

Autism researchers also are focusing on areas of the brain that control a range of related behaviors and symptoms, such as problems with socialization and speech, movement disorders and epilepsy.

“The idea is to go to the source and to try to understand what’s going on,” said Jane Pickett, director of the Autism Tissue Program, a national organization that has a list of 10,000 people who plan to donate their brains for research.

Bridgman works with Pickett to help decide which researchers should get brain tissue through the program. Along with pledging his own brain, he helps spread the word about the need for more donors willing to help scientists.

“It’s the most complex organ in the body, and it’s different in every person, and it’s different from minute to minute,” Bridgman said.

Donating a brain is an idea that challenges some cultural taboos. For those reasons, advocates say brain banks and organ collection agencies usually handle the issue with sensitivity and honesty.

Michael Arenstam, a 67-year-old retired teacher from Saco, has bipolar disorder. The condition causes periods of manic energy and deep depression, and often takes a toll on the personal and professional lives of those afflicted.

But knowing that his brain might help scientists figure out the cause of mental illnesses gives Arenstam a measure of peace.

“I don’t care what they do with it,” he said. “As long as they’re serious about what they’re doing, that’s sufficient for me.”