About the American Neurological Association
The Home for Academic Neurology
As the global burden of neurological disorders grows, a diverse community of physician-scientists is pushing the boundaries of neuroscience research to combat disease and deliver new treatments to people around the world. The American Neurological Association (ANA) is the professional ally of physicians and researchers dedicated to making a difference through careers that blend neurological discovery, education, and clinical care.
From advances in stroke and dementia to movement disorders and epilepsy, ANA members lead the way in research and clinical practice focused on understanding brain health and treating diseases of the nervous system. Since 1875, the ANA has been the premier professional society for academic neurologists and neuroscientists, setting the standard through its renowned Annual Meeting, top-ranked journals—Annals of Neurology and Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology (ACTN)—and advocacy for national policies that support researchers, practitioners, and patients alike.
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 advancing brain health, 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
Historical Overview
From advances in stroke and dementia to movement disorders and epilepsy, the American Neurological Association has led the way in research since 1875 as the premier professional society for academic neurologists and neuroscientists dedicated 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.
ANA Bylaws
*Amended October 2024
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.