What to expect from the 2026 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) annual meeting
This year’s American Academy of Neurology (AAN) annual meeting is hitting the Windy City this weekend, featuring the latest in scientific research, critical education, and networking opportunities.
This year’s meeting will offer over 3,500 abstracts—including late-breaking research, 190+ educational sessions, and multiple plenary sessions, serving as the epicenter for new research across neurology subspecialties—from epilepsy and stroke to neurodegeneration and neurogenetic disorders.
This year’s program will focus on new research, clinical trial findings, and real-world insights, offering clinicians a look into how the field is changing in real-time.
“We blew submissions out of the water this year,” AAN Meeting Management Committee Vice Chair Hope O'Brien, MD, MBA, FAAN, said in a press release.[] “We’re really excited for attendees to experience this breadth of research—especially now when so many research opportunities are being compromised.”
Hot topics at AAN this year
The Presidential Plenary session will offer a deep-dive into brain health, precision genomic medicine, and the future of neuroscience. This session will also present the Sidney Carter Award in Child Neurology as well as the AAN Lifetime Achievement Award for Clinically Relevant Research in Parkinson’s disease.[]
Other hot topics at AAN include controversies in neuroscience—with sessions asking the hard-hitting questions:[] Is hormone replacement therapy neuroprotective? Are GLP-1s more hype than hope?
Other talks will cover cutting-edge translational research as well as the clinical implications, with discussions about dementia prevention using the shingles vaccines, blood-based biomarkers in Alzheimer’s Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis criteria.[]
Spotlight on neurological breakthroughs A plethora of research findings will also be presented—with topics ranging from spinocerebellar ataxia to neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.[]
The AAN meeting will also explore targeted topics especially relevant to today’s clinicians, including diversity and inclusion and the use of AI in neurology.[]
“The Annual Meeting truly is the singular place where the very best in all of neurology comes together. In 2026, we’re promising five days of unparalleled learning, meaningful networking, and engaging experiences for neurology professionals at every stage of their careers,” O’Brien said. “This year's theme emphasizes connection—coming together to share knowledge, learn from one another, and grow as a community. There is no global neurology gathering quite like this, and I look forward to welcoming colleagues from around the world!”