The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and the American Heart Association have announced the recipients of the 2026 Ralph L. Sacco Scholarships for Brain Health, awarding $150,000 each to two neuroscientists for two-year research projects. Sarah Kettlety, Ph.D., of Baltimore, Maryland, and Cali McEntee, Ph.D., of Ann Arbor, Michigan, will begin their studies on July 1, 2026. This is the third year the scholarship has been awarded.
The scholarships, also known as the Sacco Scholars program, are funded by a bequest from the late Ralph L. Sacco, M.D., M.S., FAAN, FAHA, the only neurologist to have served as president of both organizations. Sacco, who passed away in 2023 from a brain tumor, was a pioneer in stroke prevention and brain health research.
Kettlety, a postdoctoral researcher at Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University, will study how heart rate changes during exercise after childhood concussions. Her research aims to identify patterns in autonomic nervous system function that could predict prolonged recovery. "If doctors can identify those patients early, they may be able to offer more customized treatments," she said. The goal is to improve outcomes for young concussion patients.
McEntee, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Michigan Medical School, will investigate how exercise-induced molecules, called exerkines, affect brain health in aging. These substances released from muscles and fat during physical activity may travel to the brain and enhance cognitive function. She aims to develop new strategies to protect brain health for older adults and individuals with conditions like diabetes or obesity, and even those unable to exercise.
"As we learn more about the importance of the cognitive and physical aspects of the heart-brain connection, it's critical to grow the body of evidence that can help us reduce risk and improve health," said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association. "We look forward to seeing the work of these two scholars."
AAN President Natalia S. Rost, M.D., M.P.H., FAAN, FAHA, added, "Dr. Ralph Sacco inspired many physicians and researchers through his remarkable career, and his legacy lives on through these scholarships. This program supports talented researchers in advancing preventive neurology."
The scholarships are part of broader efforts by both organizations to fund innovative brain health research. The AAN's Brain Health Initiative and the American Heart Association's focus on the heart-brain connection underscore the importance of such funding. "Robust research funding is critically important to support innovative ideas that can lead to scientific breakthroughs," said Mary E. Post, M.B.A., CAE, CEO of the AAN.
Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, noted Sacco's mentorship of young scientists. "He spent much of his life mentoring young scientists just like the recipients of this year's scholarships. I am so proud to see his lifesaving legacy live on," she said.
Kettlety and McEntee will begin their projects on July 1, 2026. More information is available at AAN.com or heart.org.
