AAN 2026 Plenary Sessions

Dates: April 18-22, 2026 Location: McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA Organizer: American Academy of Neurology Website: [aanannualmeeting.com](https://www.aan.com/meetings/annual-meeting)

Overview

The plenary sessions at AAN 2026 represent the centerpiece of the conference, featuring invited presentations from world-leading researchers on the most significant advances in neurology. These sessions provide comprehensive updates across all neurological subspecialties["@aan2026program"].

Plenary Session Schedule

Sunday, April 19, 2026 — Opening Plenary

Dates: April 18-22, 2026 Location: McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA Organizer: American Academy of Neurology Website: [aanannualmeeting.com](https://www.aan.com/meetings/annual-meeting)

Overview

The plenary sessions at AAN 2026 represent the centerpiece of the conference, featuring invited presentations from world-leading researchers on the most significant advances in neurology. These sessions provide comprehensive updates across all neurological subspecialties["@aan2026program"].

Plenary Session Schedule

Sunday, April 19, 2026 — Opening Plenary

Theme: "The Future of Neurology: Translating Science into Practice"

The opening plenary session sets the stage for AAN 2026:

• Precision Medicine in Neurology: Personalized treatment approaches
• Biomarker Integration: How biomarkers are transforming clinical practice
• Global Neurology: Access and equity in neurological care
• AI in Neurology: Machine learning applications

Monday, April 20, 2026 — Featured Plenary

Theme: "Neurodegeneration: New Frontiers in Disease Modification"

The Monday plenary focuses on progress in neurodegenerative disease therapeutics:

• Anti-Amyloid Therapies: Clinical implementation of approved antibodies
• Biomarker-Guided Treatment: Precision medicine approaches
• Pipeline Landscape: Therapies in clinical development
• Combination Strategies: Multi-target approaches

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 — Keynote Address

Theme: "Understanding the Brain: From Mechanisms to Therapies"

The keynote address provides an integrative view of neurological disease:

• Molecular Mechanisms: Protein aggregation and neurodegeneration
• Neuroimmune Interactions: Inflammation and neural dysfunction
• Cellular Therapies: Stem cell and gene therapy approaches
• Network Neuroscience: Systems-level understanding

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 — Closing Plenary

Theme: "The Next Generation of Neurological Treatments"

The closing plenary looks forward to the future:

• Gene Therapy: AAV and CRISPR approaches
• RNA Therapeutics: Antisense and siRNA
• Cell Replacement: iPSC and regenerative approaches
• Global Health: Neurological disease worldwide

Major Scientific Topics

Neurodegeneration

Alzheimer's Disease

• Approved therapies: Lecanemab and donanemab
• Biomarkers: Blood-based biomarker implementation
• Prevention: Primary and secondary prevention trials[@cummings2023]

Parkinson's Disease

• Alpha-synuclein targeting: Immunotherapies
• Gene therapy: AAV-based approaches
• Deep brain stimulation: Closed-loop systems

ALS and Frontotemporal Dementia

• Gene targets: SOD1, C9orf72
• RNA therapeutics: Antisense oligonucleotides
• Combination approaches: Multi-mechanism strategies

Cerebrovascular Disease

• Acute stroke: Treatment advances
• Prevention: Anticoagulation strategies
• Cognitive impact: Vascular contributions

Multiple Sclerosis

• B-cell therapies: Mechanism and outcomes
• Progressive MS: Emerging treatments
• Remyelination: Strategies and trials

Epilepsy

• Device therapies: Responsive neurostimulation
• Novel medications: New mechanisms
• Surgical advances: Laser ablation

Neuromuscular Disorders

• Gene therapy: SMA, Duchenne
• Novel mechanisms: Myasthenia gravis biologics
• ALS: New therapeutic approaches

Plenary Speaker Profiles

Expected Speakers

AAN 2026 plenary sessions feature internationally recognized leaders:

• Academic Leaders: Leading researchers from major universities
• Industry Scientists: Chief Scientific Officers from pharmaceutical companies
• Clinical Experts: Neurologists with extensive trial experience
• Government Representatives: NIH and FDA officials

Speaker Selection

Plenary speakers are selected based on:

• Scientific Impact: Discovery of major importance
• Field Representation: Balanced representation across research areas
• Diversity: Geographic, gender, and career stage diversity
• Presentation Quality: Track record of impactful presentations

Session Format

Presentation Structure

Audience Interaction

• Live Q&A: Questions from attendees in person
• Online Questions: Questions submitted via conference app
• Session Hashtag: Social media engagement using #AAN2026

Related Conference Activities

Satellite Symposia

Industry-sponsored satellite symposia provide in-depth coverage of specific topics.

Scientific Sessions

Concurrent scientific sessions allow for detailed presentations on specialized topics:

• Poster Sessions: Interactive presentations
• Oral Abstracts: Selected abstract presentations
• Focused Workshops: Hands-on learning opportunities

Networking Opportunities

• Poster Sessions: Network with presenting researchers
• Social Events: Conference receptions and dinners
• Exhibition Floor: Engage with companies and organizations

Impact on the Field

Research Direction

Plenary presentations at AAN frequently influence research directions:

• New Hypotheses: Presentations generate new research questions
• Methodological Advances: New approaches are shared and adopted
• Collaborative Opportunities: Connections formed during sessions

Clinical Practice

• Trial Results: Clinical trial data influences practice guidelines
• Diagnostic Advances: New diagnostic approaches enter practice
• Therapeutic Updates: Approved therapy guidance

Public Health

• Media Coverage: Major findings receive media attention
• Policy Influence: Research informs public health policy
• Awareness: Conference raises neurological disease awareness

Related Conference Content

• [AAN 2026](/events/aan-2026) — Main conference page
• [AAN 2026 Neurodegeneration Sessions](/events/aan-2026-neurodegeneration-sessions)
• [AAN 2026 Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Updates](/events/aan-2026-alzheimers-parkinsons-updates)
• [AAN 2026 Clinical Trials](/events/aan-2026-clinical-trials)
• [AAIC 2026 Plenary Sessions](/events/aaic-2026-plenary-sessions)

Related NeuroWiki Content

Alzheimer's Disease

• [Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease)
• [Alzheimer's Disease Pathophysiology](/mechanisms/alzheimers-pathophysiology)
• [Anti-Amyloid Therapies](/therapeutics/anti-amyloid-therapies)

Parkinson's Disease

• [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)
• [Parkinson's Disease Pathophysiology](/mechanisms/parkinsons-pathophysiology)
• [DBS Therapy](/therapeutics/dbs-therapy)

Key Proteins and Pathways

• [Amyloid-beta Protein](/proteins/amyloid-beta)
• [Tau Protein](/proteins/tau)
• [Alpha-Synuclein](/proteins/alpha-synuclein)
• [TREM2 Protein](/proteins/trem2)

External Resources

• [AAN 2026 Annual Meeting](https://www.aan.com/meetings/annual-meeting)
• [American Academy of Neurology](https://www.aan.org)
• [AAN 2026 Scientific Program](https://www.aan.com/meetings/annual-meeting/program)
• [PubMed Search: Neurology](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=neurology)

References