Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
April 17, 2026
2026 Sacco Scholarships Awarded to Advance Brain Health Research
TLDR
- The American Academy of Neurology and American Heart Association awarded $150,000 scholarships to two neuroscientists for research that could lead to competitive advantages in predicting and treating brain health issues.
- The Sacco Scholars program funds systematic research into heart rate patterns after concussions and exercise-induced exerkines to understand their mechanisms for improving brain health diagnostics and treatments.
- This scholarship program honors Dr. Sacco's legacy by supporting research that aims to improve brain health outcomes for children, older adults, and people with disabilities worldwide.
- Two neuroscientists will study how childhood concussion recovery can be predicted through heart rate patterns and how exercise releases tiny messengers that keep brains sharp as we age.
Impact - Why it Matters
This news matters because it directly addresses two critical and growing public health concerns: traumatic brain injuries in youth and age-related cognitive decline. Dr. Kettlety's research on childhood concussions could revolutionize post-injury care by enabling early, personalized interventions, potentially reducing long-term neurological complications for millions of young athletes and accident victims annually. Dr. McEntee's work on exercise and brain health seeks to decode why physical activity benefits cognition, which could lead to novel treatments for populations unable to exercise, such as those with chronic illnesses or disabilities. By funding these studies, the Sacco Scholars program invests in preventive neurology, aiming to shift healthcare from treatment to early intervention and risk reduction. Ultimately, this research strengthens the understanding of the heart-brain axis, a connection vital for combating stroke, dementia, and cardiovascular diseases—leading causes of death and disability worldwide.
Summary
The American Academy of Neurology and the American Heart Association have announced the 2026 recipients of the prestigious Ralph L. Sacco Scholarships for Brain Health, awarding $150,000 two-year grants to neuroscientists Sarah Kettlety, Ph.D., and Cali McEntee, Ph.D. This collaborative program, now in its third year, honors the legacy of Dr. Ralph L. Sacco, the only neurologist to have served as president of both organizations, and is funded through his generous bequest. The scholarships aim to advance critical research into the heart-brain connection, supporting innovative projects that promise to enhance preventive neurology and improve public health outcomes.
Dr. Sarah Kettlety, a postdoctoral researcher at the Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University, will investigate the long-term effects of childhood concussions, specifically examining how heart rate patterns during post-injury exercise may predict recovery trajectories. Her work seeks to identify early biomarkers that could help clinicians customize treatments for young patients with prolonged symptoms, potentially leading to faster and more complete recoveries. Meanwhile, Dr. Cali McEntee, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan Medical School, will explore the mechanisms behind exercise's benefits for brain health, focusing on exerkines—substances released by muscles and fat during physical activity that may enhance cognitive function. Her research aims to uncover new therapeutic avenues for maintaining brain health across the lifespan, particularly for older adults and individuals with conditions like diabetes or obesity.
Leadership from both organizations emphasized the significance of this funding in driving scientific breakthroughs. American Heart Association President Stacey E. Rosen highlighted the importance of growing evidence to reduce health risks, while American Academy of Neurology President Natalia S. Rost praised the program's role in advancing preventive neurology and honoring Dr. Sacco's mentorship legacy. The scholars will begin their projects on July 1, 2026, contributing to a growing body of research supported by the AAN's Brain Health Initiative. For more details, visit the original release on www.newmediawire.com.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by NewMediaWire. Read the original source here, 2026 Sacco Scholarships Awarded to Advance Brain Health Research
