About ANA
About the American Neurological Association
As the global burden of neurological disorders continues to grow, a diverse community of physician-scientists are pushing the limits of neuroscience research to combat disease and bring novel treatments to people worldwide. The ANA is the professional ally of physicians and researchers who strive to make a difference through careers that combine neurological discovery, education, and clinical care.
From advances in stroke and dementia to movement disorders and epilepsy, members of the American Neurological Association are at the forefront of research and practice devoted to understanding neurological health and treating diseases of the nervous system. As the premier professional society of academic neurologists and neuroscientists since 1875, the ANA continues to set the standard for research and practice through its popular Annual Meeting, the highly ranked journals Annals of Neurology and Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology (ACTN), and through advocacy for national policies that serve the best interest of researchers, practitioners, and patients.
Mission
Advancing science, education, and careers to improve neurologic health for all.
Vision
A world without neurological disease.
Guiding Principles
The ANA is a community of academic neurologists and neuroscientists dedicated to promoting brain health. Our work is guided by the following principles:
- Integrity in our professional work and communications
- Excellence across all programs and publications
- Community growth and cohesion
- Expanding diversity and ensuring inclusion
- Promoting innovation and discovery
ANA Bylaws
View the latest American Neurological Association Bylaws (Amended October 2022).
ANA Annual Report
Internal Revenue Code 6104(e)(1) directs organizations exempt from taxation under IRC 501(a) to provide copies of their annual returns (Forms 990 and 990EZ) for public inspection for a three-year period. These returns may be requested in writing and will be provided within a 30-day period. A small administrative fee will be charged for copies and postage.
Historical Overview
From advances in stroke and dementia to movement disorders and epilepsy, the American Neurological Association has been the vanguard of research since 1875 as the premier professional society of academic neurologists and neuroscientists devoted to understanding and treating diseases of the nervous system.
Founded in December 1874
Founding the American Neurological Association was the inspiration of Dr. William Alexander Hammond. A Committee of Organization included Graeme Hammond, Meredith Clymer, T.M.B. Cross and Edward C. Seguin of New York; Roberts Bartholow of Cincinnati; James S. Jewell of Chicago; and James J. Putnam of Boston. The organizing group met in December 1874.
Twenty-eight physicians were invited to participate in the establishment of a “society to be called The American Neurological Association, devoted to the cultivation of Neurological Science, in its normal and pathological relations. The number of members not to exceed fifty.”
The First Meeting, June 1875
The first meeting of the American Neurological Association was held on June 2-4, 1875 at the Y.M.C.A. Hall on the corner of Fourth and Twenty-third Street in New York City. A constitution and by-laws were adopted and the slate of officers elected.
Original Officers
| President | J. S. Jewell, Chicago* |
| Second Vice-President | E. H. Clarke, Boston |
| Corresponding Secretary | J. J. Mason, New York |
| Recording Secretary and Treasurer | E. C. Seguin, New York |
| Curator | J. W. S. Arnold, New York |
*The original slate of officers included S. Weir Mitchell as President and J.S. Jewell as First Vice-President. However, S. Weir Mitchell declined the office. As such, Dr. Jewell was unanimously declared President of the Association for the inaugural year 1875-1876 and was re-elected for three years following.
Transactions of the ANA
The meetings of the American Neurological Association have always centered around the presentation of original, scientific papers that in the past were followed by recorded discussions. The founding members, realizing the value of these papers and discussions, published the proceedings annually as the Transactions of the American Neurological Association, beginning with Vol. 1, 1875. In 1876, Dr. Jewell became the editor of the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease and began publishing the proceedings of the ANA meetings, until 1919 when the American Medical Association began publication of the Archives of Neurology and Psychiatry. The official publication was then transferred to the ANA journal. The Association also arranged for separately bound copies to be sent to members as well as medical schools in the United States and Europe.
In 1975 the Association founded the Annals of Neurology to produce its professional journal and the ANA Archives of Neurology was no longer offered. The Association ceased the separate publication of the Transactions in 1981.