AAN Brain Health Initiative
AAN Brain Health Initiative
The American Academy of Neurology’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.
Read the AAN’s Brain Health Position Statement.
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. Read the press release on the 2026 awardees.
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 JAMA Neurology in November 2025.
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 brain health resources 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 how to keep your brain healthy through every stage of life.
Brain health resources
Science
- Diagnostic Value of the Kappa Free Light Chain Index to Distinguish MOGAD, NMOSD, and MS (Neurology®)| April 1, 2026
- Functional Outcome Following Blood Pressure Drops Within 24 Hours After Successful Mechanical Thrombectomy (Neurology®) | April 1, 2026
Patient care
- Neurologic Complications of Pregnancy and Menopause With Dr. Sara C. LaHue (Continuum® Audio) | March 18, 2026
- Wearable Technology and Its Role in Neurologic Care (Neurology®) | March 11, 2026
- Approaching Serious Illness Conversations in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Using Telehealth: A Practical Guide (Neurology® Clinical Practice) | March 11, 2026
- Some Patients Face Higher Risk for Neuroinvasive Disease as West Nile Virus Persists in U.S. (Neurology Today®) | March 5, 2026
Public policy
- AAN Supports California Legislation Ensuring Coverage for All Medically Necessary Treatments or Medications for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias - CA SB950 | Posted March 10, 2026
- AAN Supports Veterans with TBI Injuries and Sustained Funding and Coordinated Support for the VA’s Neurology Centers of Excellence | Posted March 4, 2026
- AAN Supports Pennsylvania Legislation to Allow for Later School Start Times - PA HB2152 | Posted February 17, 2026
Public education
- Microplastics in the Brain: What Evidence Shows (and What It Doesn’t) (Brain & Life®) | March 9, 2026
- What is Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy? (Brain & Life®) | March 6, 2026
- Multiple Concussions May Affect Brain Health Years After College Sports, Study Finds (Brain & Life®) | March 11, 2026
- Exploring Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis with Dr. Emmanuelle Waubant (Brain & Life® Podcast) | February 5, 2026
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
Getting Ahead on Brain Health (The Healthy Matters Podcast) | January 18, 2026
5-Day Brain Health Challenge (The New York Times) | January 5, 2026
5 simple ways to support your brain function and reduce the risk of decline (CNN) | February 25, 2025
Cardiology, neurology seek to add mental health care for patients | October 4, 2024
Update on Brain Health with Dr. Rost (Neurology® Podcast) | June 24, 2024
Brain Health and the Need for Preventive Neurology (Medscape) | May 20, 2024
Educating patients about neurology and brain health
Brain & Life® 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
Sponsors
