The American Academy of Neurology and the American Heart Association have awarded the 2025 Ralph L. Sacco Scholarships for Brain Health to Hortense Triniac, Ph.D., of Milwaukee, and Katy Walsh, Ph.D., of Boston, providing each researcher $150,000 to support innovative scientific investigations into brain health and neurological conditions. Named in honor of Dr. Ralph L. Sacco, the only neurologist to have served as president of both organizations before his passing in 2023, the scholarship aims to support early-career researchers addressing critical gaps in understanding brain health and vascular disease.
Triniac, a postdoctoral fellow at the Versiti Blood Research Institute, will investigate how specific protein interactions might reduce stroke risk. Her research will explore the relationship between apolipoprotein B, tissue-type plasminogen activator, and their potential to lower lipid accumulation in blood vessels and improve blood clot breakdown. This work could identify new pathways for preventing strokes, which remain a leading cause of disability worldwide. The scholarship funding enables Triniac to pursue this research full-time for two years, accelerating what might otherwise be a slower investigative process due to funding constraints.
Walsh, a postdoctoral research fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, will study cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), a condition causing abnormal protein buildup in brain blood vessels. Her project will examine a rare APOE genetic variant that may improve blood vessel function and protein waste removal in the brain. CAA is a significant contributor to cognitive decline and hemorrhagic strokes in older adults, yet treatment options remain limited. Walsh's research could uncover protective mechanisms that might be harnessed for therapeutic development. The scholarship provides essential resources for her to conduct this specialized investigation at Massachusetts General Hospital, where she has access to advanced imaging technologies and patient populations necessary for her study.
Dr. Keith Churchwell from the American Heart Association emphasized the critical need for research exploring how vascular disease impacts cognitive decline and brain health. The scholarships represent a strategic investment in scientific discovery that could potentially develop new therapeutic approaches for neurological conditions. Vascular factors contribute significantly to many neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and various forms of dementia, making this research direction particularly important for public health. AAN President Dr. Carlayne E. Jackson highlighted the importance of accelerating research to enhance brain health across all life stages. The Sacco Scholars program supports this mission by providing crucial funding for early-career researchers dedicated to scientific breakthroughs.
Both Triniac and Walsh will commence their two-year research projects on July 1, 2025, continuing Dr. Sacco's commitment to advancing neurological science and improving patient outcomes. The timing of these awards coincides with growing recognition of brain health as a public health priority, with organizations like the American Heart Association increasingly focusing on the connection between cardiovascular and neurological health. These scholarships not only support individual researchers but also signal institutional commitment to interdisciplinary approaches in medicine. The research outcomes could inform clinical guidelines and treatment protocols for conditions affecting millions of people globally, making this investment in early-career scientists particularly significant for future healthcare advancements.
