AAN Brain Health Initiative
AAN Brain Health Initiative
The 好色先生’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.
The AAN updated its figure on the global burden of neurological disease in line with the World Health Organization's analysis, which found over 1 in 3 people worldwide are living with a neurological disease.
The AAN updated its figure on the global burden of neurological disease in line with the World Health Organization's analysis, which found over 1 in 3 people worldwide are living with a neurological disease.The complete analysis was published in in March 2024.
Ralph L. Sacco Scholarships in Brain Health
The 2025 Sacco Scholars Program application period has closed. The program's unique pair of $150,000 scholarships are made possible by a generous bequest from Ralph L. Sacco, MD, MS, FAAN, FAHA, connecting two early career trainees with funding for two-year research programs that focus on brain health. Check back for more updates on this exciting program!
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
- Is Eating More Red Meat Bad for Your Brain? | January 15, 2025
- | January 10, 2025
- | January 6, 2025
Patient care
- | March 6, 2025
- | February 16, 2025
- | January 22, 2025
Public policy
- AAN Sends Introductory Letter to Director of National Institute of Health, Dr. Jayanta Bhattacharya, and Requests Support for Neuroscience Research Funding鈥瘄 March 26, 2025
- AAN Joins Physician Organizations in Reauthorizing the Lorna Breen Act鈥瘄 March 18, 2025
- AAN Sends Introductory Letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, and Requests Support of Neuroscience Research鈥瘄 March 14, 2025
Public education
- | February 2025
- | February 2025
- | January 10, 2025
Events
David A. Evans, MBA; Carlayne E. Jackson, MD, FAAN; Former U.S. Representative Jennifer Wexton; Natalia S. Rost, MD, MPH, FAAN, FAHA; Mary E. Post, MBA, CAE
AAN Brain Health Summit
The AAN 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.
For an overview of the 2024 Brain Health Summit, please refer to the meeting proceedings, which provide an account of events and discussions that transpired during the meeting. Further details can be found in the , , and list of attendees.
We are pleased to announce the 2025 Brain Health Summit will be held in Washington D.C. on Thursday, September 11, 2025.
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.
Interested in learning more about brain health at the 2025 Annual Meeting? Plan your meeting experience by viewing the Annual Meeting’s鈥疊rain Health Target Interest Area.
Your brain controls every aspect of your life, so it’s important to keep it as healthy as possible. The AAN, which has promoted brain health for decades through its advocacy and public outreach, is proud to stand united with a coalition of multidisciplinary stakeholders as we pursue a plan to improve brain health across each stage of your life.
Carlayne E. Jackson, MD, FAAN
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, magazine, 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.
US AAN Members receive to distribute to patients in your office.
Collaborators
