Dallas and Minneapolis, April 4, 2025 – The American Academy of Neurology and the American Heart Association awarded the Ralph L. Sacco 2025 scholarships for two researchers, Hortense Triniac, Ph.D., from Milwaukee and Katy Walsh, Ph.D., from Boston. Everyone will receive a scholarship of $ 150,000 of two years to support the continuing scientific research in brain health. This is the second year that this scholarship was awarded.
The Ralph L. Sacco scholarships in brain health, also known as the Sacco Scholars program, are made possible by a generous legacy to the American Academy of Neurologythe largest global association of neurologists and neuroscience and Brain health experts and the American Heart AssociationA global force changing the future of health for all, from the late Ralph L. Sacco, MD, MS, FAAN, FAHA. Sacco was the only neurologist to have been president of the two organizations. He died in 2023 from a brain tumor.
“There is a critical need to cultivate the body of science linked to the impact of vascular diseases on cognitive decline, dementia and brain health more widely,” said Keith Churchwell, MD, Faha, president of the Association of the American Heart, an associate professor of medicine at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut and Tendnessee, Tennessee. “We are impatient to see the work of these two researchers while these research projects are based on Dr. Sacco’s work decades to save and improve life.”
“It is an honor to award two new RALPH L. SACCO scholarships in brain health while we are building a strong community of researchers dedicated to scientific discovery,” said the president of the American Academy of Neurology, Carlayne E. Jackson, MD, FAAN. “By accelerating research, we can carry out scientific breakthroughs that improve brain health at each stage of life, improving brain health for everyone.”
Triniac is a postdoctoral scholarship holder at the Zheng laboratory of Versiti Blood Research Institute and Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. She is rewarded by the scholarship to study if the risk of stroke Can be reduced by specific interactions of several types of protein – apolipoprotein B (APOB) and tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) – which are both naturally produced in the liver. Lipoproteins containing apob produce low density lipoproteins (LDL, the so-called “bad” cholesterol) when they enter the blood circulation, which can induce a chronic inflammatory response which can cause an accumulation of plaque and clots in the arteries. The TPA protein breaks down the blood clots to allow the blood to flow. Previous studies of Zheng Lab have shown that TPA lowers the limiting of apob and the production of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) in liver cells and when there are higher concentrations of TPA, there are lower levels of VLDL and LDL in blood. The new research by Triniac will examine whether hepatic TPA reduces the risk of stroke by reducing the accumulation of lipids in blood vessels and improving the degradation of blood clot. This research can lead to new therapies that reduce the risk of stroke and improve brain health.
Walsh is a postdoctoral researcher at the Kozberg Lab at the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Harvard Medical School in Boston. His research project will include study mechanisms for brain amyloid angiopathy (CAA), caused when abnormal proteins accumulate in blood vessels in the brain, often leading to a stroke. There is currently no treatment available to CAA patients, brain vascular accidents are often fatal and it is a main cause of cognitive impairment in the elderly. Variations in human DNA in apolipoprotein E (APOE), a protein that helps the brain to operate by managing the movement of cell construction blocks, can modify the risk of developing CAA. Walsh will study a recently identified rare APOE variant which could improve the function of blood vessels to remove protein waste that accumulates in the brain. This study can considerably improve the understanding of factors contributing to CAA pathology and potentially lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients.
“The Sacco Scholars program helps to respond to the critical funding need for researchers at the start of their career while advancing the Aan’s mission to promote brain health for everyone – from the first years of a person’s development to their oldest years,” said AAN CEO, Mary E. Post, MBA, CAE. “At a time when cognitive well-being is increasingly recognized as essential for global health, we are proud of this program which aims to improve life and make a significant contribution to the landscape of brain health.”
“Dr. Ralph Sacco was a dear personal friend and served for more than 20 years as a devoted volunteer for the American Heart Association. He was the first neurologist to be our volunteer president and was champion of our work to recognize the importance of brain health, “said Nancy Brown, general manager of the American Heart Association. “He was also an appreciated mentor for many young scientists. It is encouraging to see that his inheritance of influencing the careers of countless doctors, researchers and health professionals continues thanks to this unique scholarship program. ”
Triniac and Walsh began their two -year research projects on July 1, 2025.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer and healthier lives. Dedicated to ensure fair health in all communities, the organization has been a health source for over a hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers worldwide, we finance revolutionary research, defend public health and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and cerebral vascular accidents. By conducting breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policies and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Heart.org,, Facebook,, X or by calling the 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About the American Academy of Neurology
The American Academy of Neurology is the main voice of brain health. As the largest global association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals with more than 40,000 members, the AAN gives access to the latest news, sciences and research affecting neurology for patients, caregivers, doctors and professionals. The Mission of AAN is to improve the realization of the career of members and to promote the health of the brain for all. A neurologist is a doctor specializing in diagnosis, care and treatment of the brain, spinal cord and nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral vascular accidents, concussion, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, headache and migraine. Explore the latest neurological diseases and the health of the brain, the spirit of the aan Aan.com where to find us Facebook,, X,, Instagram,, LiendinAnd YouTube.
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