AAN Brain Health Initiative
AAN Brain Health Initiative
The ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú’s groundbreaking Brain Health Initiative focuses on enhancing brain health at every stage of life, from a person’s earliest years of development to their oldest years.
In an era where cognitive well-being is increasingly recognized as paramount to overall health and productivity, we are proud to take a pioneering step towards promoting rigorous education, public policy, scientific discovery, and collaborative partnerships. Our commitment is to improve lives and make a meaningful impact on the landscape of brain health.
AAN mission
To enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all.
Brain health definition
A continuous state of attaining and maintaining the optimal neurologic function that best supports one’s physical, mental, and social well-being through every stage of life.
Ralph L. Sacco Scholarships in Brain Health
Two $150,000 brain health scholarships are awarded each year to early career trainees, made possible by Ralph L. Sacco, MD, MS, FAAN, FAHA—the late neurologist and AAN president whose legacy lives on through the scholarships. Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026 Sacco Scholars Program.
Events
AAN Brain Health Summit
The AAN’s annual Brain Health Summit convenes distinguished thought leaders from academia, professional medical and patient organizations, government, research institutions, payers, industry, and advocacy groups. These experts, specializing in brain health across the lifespan, collaborate to advance brain health for all.
AAN Annual Meeting
The AAN Annual Meeting is the largest gathering of neurologists and neuroscience professionals and offers top-tier education, the latest in scientific discoveries, and an abundance of opportunities to connect with friends and colleagues from around the globe. If you are attending the meeting, plan to stop by the Brain Health Hub.
Pillars of brain health
The AAN Brain Health Initiative’s pillars of science, patient care, public policy, and public education provide the framework for the AAN’s vision of brain health for all.
Science
Accelerating research and discovery to achieve scientific breakthroughs in preventing neurologic conditions and advancing brain health research.
Patient care
Providing trustworthy to medical professionals at all stages of training.
Public policy
Advancing brain health by working with policymakers on the federal and state levels.
Public education
Engaging with the public about through every stage of life.
An analysis from the AAN and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation found that one in two people in the United States is affected by a neurological disease or disorder.
The complete analysis was published in in November 2025.
Brain health resources
Science
- | September 8, 2025
- | September 4, 2025
- | September 4, 2025
Patient care
- | September 4, 2025
- | July 3, 2025
- | June 5, 2025
Public policy
- AAN Joins 480 Organizations Requesting Robust Appropriations for the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) in FY26  | July 7, 2025
- AAN Joins the Multi-Society Statement on the Importance of Vaccines  | June 25, 2025
- AAN Sends Letter in Support of Neuroscience Research and Full Funding for the BRAIN Initiative  | April 29, 2025
Public education
- | September 5, 2025
- | August 7, 2025
- | May 5, 2025
The brain serves as the body's central command and control center and the organ responsible for our physical, mental, and social well-being. Neurologists are uniquely positioned to serve as specialists in brain health and to advance the newly evolving field of preventive neurology. Empowered by the bold brain health vision and action plan for the 21st century, the AAN is proud to lead across the multidisciplinary stakeholders to advance brain health across every stage of life.
Natalia S. Rost, MD, MPH, FAAN, FAHA
President, AAN
Media coverage
| February 25, 2025
| October 4, 2024
| June 24, 2024
| May 20, 2024
| April 2024
| February 15, 2024
| February 14, 2024
| February 12, 2024
Educating patients about neurology and brain health
is a website, podcast, and book series created by the AAN that connects patients, caregivers, and anyone interested in brain health. It is the most trusted information, straight from the world’s leading experts in brain health.
Collaborators
