These awards are funded by the American Brain Foundation
Awards
Below are our 2022 recipients. View previous award winners here.
Advocacy Awards
Public Leadership in Neurology Award
Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen are supporting families dealing with dementia, educating young people about living a brain-healthy life, and inspiring the next generation of Alzheimer’s advocates and researchers. Through their organization Hilarity for Charity, they have used comedy to raise more than $15 million, reaching 260,000 people with grants, events, and social media, and providing 350,000 hours of in-home relief as respite for dementia caregivers.
2022 Recipient
Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen
Ambassador Award
In 2012, journalist Susannah Cahalan published the New York Times bestselling memoir Brain on Fire, which chronicles her hospitalization, diagnosis, and recovery from anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. The memoir, a subsequent feature film, and Cahalan’s continuing advocacy have elevated public awareness of neuroinflammation, brain disease, the need for research, and the patient experience.
2022 recipient
Susannah Cahalan
Scientific Awards
Scientific Breakthrough Award
The Scientific Breakthrough Award is given to an individual or group whose research has led to meaningful advances for the care of patients living with neurological disease. Funded by the American Brain Foundation.
Professor Hauser’s research has advanced our understanding of the genetic basis, immune mechanisms, and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). His work led to the development of B cell therapies for MS patients, representing a powerful new approach for relapsing forms of the disease. His 40+ year, career-long commitment has changed the landscape of treatment for what has been, until now, a relentlessly progressive form of MS.
2022 Recipient
Stephen Hauser, MD
American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Scientific Awards
Potamkin Prize for Research in Pick’s, Alzheimer’s, and Related Diseases
The Potamkin Prize is the highest honor in Alzheimer’s research that recognizes premier scientific research in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Funded by the Potamkin Family through the American Brain Foundation.
Dr. Vladimir Hachinski’s crucial early contribution clarified the distinction between Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, opening the door to modern dementia research. He subsequently characterized vascular dementia, describing the now widely recognized alterations in white matter, and he developed a diagnostic scale that now bears his name. His work on stroke prevention has diminished the burden of stroke and dementia at the population level. He has made major contributions to our understanding of dementia etiology, diagnosis, and prevention.
2022 RECIPIENT
Vladimir Hachinski, MD, DSC, FAAN
Sheila Essey Award: An Award for ALS Research
The Sheila Essey Award recognizes an individual who has made significant research contributions in the search for the cause of, prevention of, and cure for ALS. Funded by the Essey family through the American Brain Foundation.
Professor Matthew Kiernan is a true research leader in ALS. His stewardship of the Pan-Asian Consortium for the Treatment of ALS has played a pivotal role in improving care and driving ALS research worldwide. His leadership in establishing new consensus guidelines for ALS has simplified diagnosis and will improve clinical trial enrollment. He has developed important techniques that enable study of disruption of brain networking in ALS, establishing novel disease biomarkers and mechanisms of disease progression that can be incorporated into future clinical trials.
2022 RECIPIENT
Matthew C. Kiernan, AM, MBBS, PhD, DSc
Additional AAN Scientific Awards:
Bruce S. Schoenberg International Award in Neuroepidemiology
Dreifuss-Penry Epilepsy Award
Founders Award
Harold Wolff-John Graham: An Award for Headache/Facial Pain Research
Irwin Schatz Award for Autonomic Disorders
John Stolk Award in Movement Disorders for Young Investigators
Neuro-oncology Investigator Award
Neuro-oncology Scientific Award
Norman Geschwind Prize in Behavioral Neurology
Michael S. Pessin Stroke Leadership Prize
Mitchell B. Max Award for Neuropathic Pain
Movement Disorders Research Award
Neuroendocrine Research Award
Sleep Science Award
S. Weir Mitchell Award
Wayne A. Hening Sleep Medicine Investigator Award
Lifetime and Humanitarian Awards
Ted M. Burns Humanism in Neurology Award
The Ted M. Burns Humanism in Neurology Award recognizes the influence of the most benevolent and innovative in the field of neurology, celebrates neurologists whose work embodies humanism, and inspires neurologists to improve health care delivery and the lives of their colleagues and patients. Funded by the Ted M. Burns Humanism in Neurology Award Fund of the American Brain Foundation.
Dr. Giesser displays a humanism that is unparalleled and captures the essence of what it means to be a caring mentor, educator, and healthcare provider. Dr. Giesser is a nationally recognized advocate for MS education and awareness, and she is lauded by colleagues, patients, and students for her patient-centered approach. She embodies the aims of the Ted M. Burns Award to celebrate neurologists whose work embodies humanism in patient care, education, advocacy, and everyday encounters.
2022 Recipient
Barbara S. Giesser, MD, FAAN
Association of Indian Neurologists in America Lifetime Achievement Award
The Association of Indian Neurologists in America Lifetime Achievement (AINA) Award recognizes a leader in neurology by their peers. The recipient will be a North American neurologist chosen based on their dedication to advancing the training of North American neurologists of Indian origin and promoting innovation and research in the field of neurology. Sponsored by the Association of Indian Neurologists in America Fund of the American Brain Foundation.
Dr. Singhal has significantly contributed towards the growth of AINA over the last 18 years, has trained numerous colleagues of Indian origin, and is well known for innovation and research in the field of neurology (stroke). He has helped to develop AINA into a robust organization, collaborates meaningfully with colleagues in India, and is an accomplished neurologist of Indian origin who is a leader in the stroke field.
2022 Recipient
Aneesh Singhal, MD, FAAN
Mridha Spirit of Neurology Humanitarian Award
The Mridha Spirit of Neurology Award is a humanitarian award for a neurologist or neuroscientist working in an impoverished community of the world. Funded by the American Brain Foundation and the philanthropy of Dr. and Mrs. Mridha, and endowed by gifts to Dr. Debasish and Chinu Mridha Endowment Fund.
Dr. Bindu Menon is dedicated to reaching underprivileged patients in India suffering from stroke and epilepsy. She has started multiple innovative projects, including “Neurology on Wheels,” a first of its kind program in India which brings neurological health education, screening, and treatment directly to rural communities. Dr. Menon’s commitment to patient care, research, innovation in healthcare, and her work to bring care to some of the most under-resourced communities make her an outstanding recipient for the Mridha Spirit of Neurology Award.
2022 Recipient
Bindu Menon, MD, DM, DNB, PGDCN, FRCP, MNAMS, FICP, FIAN, FWSO
Mridha Spirit of Neurology Humanitarian Award
The Mridha Spirit of Neurology Award is a humanitarian award for a neurologist or neuroscientist working in an impoverished community of the world. Funded by the American Brain Foundation and the philanthropy of Dr. and Mrs. Mridha, and endowed by gifts to Dr. Debasish and Chinu Mridha Endowment Fund.
Dr. Bruce Ovbiagele has dedicated his career to improving our understanding of stroke and stroke outcomes for patients of diverse backgrounds, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, he has shown consistent dedication to improving neurological research training for underrepresented groups and removing structural inequalities from training opportunities. Dr. Ovbiagele’s humility and generosity with his time, skills, and knowledge as well as his exemplary dedication to improving stroke care, research and training in sub-Saharan Africa make him an outstanding recipient for the Mridha Spirit of Neurology Award.
2022 Recipient
