FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON February 20, 2026

Neurology on the Hill: Neurologists to ask lawmakers to support lifesaving research

MINNEAPOLIS — To improve brain health for all, 200 neurologists from 47 states will ask federal lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to support lifesaving neuroscience research as the ��ɫ���� (AAN) holds its 24th annual “Neurology on the Hill” February 22-24, 2026. Neurologists will also ask lawmakers to make telehealth flexibilities permanent and address ongoing Medicare payment cuts that reduce access to neurological care. As the experts in brain health, neurologists will ask lawmakers to maintain strong federal support for neuroscience research, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative. The BRAIN Initiative promotes and funds a wide range of research into the functions of the brain. That research, in turn, helps neuroscientists and clinicians find new ways to help people with neurological conditions. Funding for neuroscience research has brought treatments like clot-busting medication to treat stroke and deep brain stimulation to manage the symptoms of movement disorders. “One in two people in the United States is affected by a neurological disease or disorder,” said ��ɫ���� President Natalia S. Rost, MD, MPH, FAAN, FAHA. “Continued investment in research is crucial to advance our understanding of the brain. By funding neuroscience research, we ensure the development of future cures and that everyone has a chance for a lifetime of optimal brain health.” Neurologists will also ask lawmakers to make telehealth flexibilities permanent. The full government shutdown on October 1, 2025, and the partial government shutdown on January 31, 2026, meant people with Medicare coverage lost access to these services for a total of 47 days, abruptly interrupting care for those who rely on telehealth to manage serious neurological diseases and disorders. “Telehealth provides people with mobility challenges, chronic conditions, and those living in underserved or remote areas with access to care,” said Bruce H. Cohen, MD, FAAN, Chair of the ��ɫ����’s Advocacy Committee. “Without permanent telehealth extensions, access to care remains subject to disruptions. Telehealth flexibilities will expire in 2028, which will again place people at risk of a sudden and preventable lapse in care.” Finally, neurologists will ask lawmakers to address ongoing Medicare payment cuts that reduce access to care for people with neurological conditions. Such cuts can contribute to longer wait times and fewer care options, underscoring the need for congressional action to stabilize Medicare payments and protect patient access. Follow Neurology on the Hill on social media with the hashtags #NOH26 and #AANadvocacy. Discover more about brain health at , from the ��ɫ����. This resource offers a website, podcast, and books that connect patients, caregivers and anyone interested in brain health with the most trusted information, straight from the world’s leading experts in brain health. Follow Brain & Life on , and .

The ��ɫ���� is the leading voice in brain health. As the world’s largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals with more than 44,000 members, the AAN provides access to the latest news, science and research affecting neurology for patients, caregivers, physicians and professionals alike. The AAN’s mission is to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, care and treatment of brain, spinal cord and nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, concussion, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, headache and migraine.

Explore the latest in neurological disease and brain health, from the minds at the AAN at or find us on , , , and .