The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and American Heart Association have selected two promising researchers, Hortense Triniac, Ph.D., and Katy Walsh, Ph.D., to receive the 2025 Ralph L. Sacco Scholarships for Brain Health. Each researcher will be awarded $150,000 to support two-year research projects targeting critical challenges in understanding brain health and stroke prevention.
Triniac, a postdoctoral fellow at the Versiti Blood Research Institute and Medical College of Wisconsin, will investigate how specific protein interactions might reduce stroke risk. Her research focuses on the relationship between apolipoprotein B and tissue-type plasminogen activator, exploring how these naturally produced liver proteins might mitigate chronic inflammatory responses and arterial plaque formation.
Walsh, a postdoctoral research fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, will examine cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), a condition characterized by abnormal protein buildup in brain blood vessels. Her study will investigate a rare APOE genetic variant that could potentially improve blood vessel function and protein waste removal in the brain, potentially offering insights into cognitive impairment in elderly populations.
The scholarship program, named after the late Dr. Ralph L. Sacco—the only neurologist to have served as president of both organizations—aims to support early-career researchers in advancing scientific understanding of brain health. Dr. Sacco, who passed away in 2023 from a brain tumor, was a champion for recognizing the intricate connections between vascular health and cognitive function.
Leadership from both organizations emphasized the critical importance of this research. Dr. Keith Churchwell from the American Heart Association noted the urgent need to understand how vascular disease impacts cognitive decline, while AAN President Dr. Carlayne E. Jackson highlighted the potential for scientific breakthroughs that could enhance brain health across all life stages.
The research projects represent a significant step in addressing complex neurological challenges. With no current treatments available for conditions like CAA and a growing recognition of cognitive health's importance, these scholarships provide crucial support for innovative scientific exploration that could potentially transform future medical interventions.
Both Triniac and Walsh will commence their research projects on July 1, 2025, bringing new hope and potential breakthrough insights into understanding and potentially mitigating stroke and cognitive decline risks.
