What if art were viewed as a serious form of medicine? That question is central to the work of Bas Bloem, professor of neurology at Radboudumc and an internationally recognized expert in the field of Parkinson’s disease. For years, he has witnessed in his office what art can do for people with this chronic brain disorder. Now it’s time for the next step: moving from compelling stories to scientific evidence.
Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing brain disease worldwide and has a huge impact on daily life. Medication and medical technology are indispensable, but they focus primarily on managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease.
“We absolutely must continue that research,” Bloem emphasizes. “But at the same time, we must recognize that health is more than just the absence of disease.”
Person versus Patient
That’s exactly where art comes in. Music, visual arts, dance, and film have been shown to have a demonstrable effect on how people feel, move, and experience their lives. “Art reveals who someone is as a person, not as a patient,” says Bloem. “And that alone is of immense value to quality of life.”
See also: “Sports Put Patients Back in the Driver’s Seat”
The Power of Art
That conviction didn’t arise in the lab, but in the doctor’s office. For years, Bloem heard similar stories from people with Parkinson’s who found new vitality through art.
Take Urs Bratchi, a man from Switzerland who had no interest in art before his diagnosis. At first, he became depressed, but then something unexpected happened. Bratchi became an artist and began painting pasta. Bloem: “Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, he pulled himself together and began a second life as an artist with a renewed sense of purpose.”
Another story unfolds at the intersection of art and neurology. Bloem describes two patients for whom music literally unlocks movement. The first can barely walk due to his Parkinson’s, but as soon as he hears Björk, at 110 bpm, he starts moving.
The other patient also has severe difficulty walking and can barely move forward even with a walker. “But when the opera *Orfeo ed Euridice* plays, he waltzes across the room.”
From Anecdotes to Research
Those anecdotes have since been followed up by controlled research. In two studies, people with Parkinson’s who had no prior experience with art were paired with professional artists. In an open, experimental setting, they explored together which art form resonated with them.
The results were positive: participants felt happier, experienced less anxiety and stress, and were less bothered by their symptoms. “And those effects lasted—not just during the art session. Ultimately, that translated into reduced use of healthcare services. People visited the artist instead of the doctor.”
See also: How Artists Bring a New Perspective to Care and Well-Being
If Arts Were a Drug
Together with fellow researcher Blanca Spee, Bloem summarized this line of thinking in the article “If Arts Were a Drug.” The core idea: if art were a medicine, we would evaluate it for effectiveness, safety, dosage, adherence, and cost-effectiveness. “We take that for granted when it comes to medications,” says Bloem. “But not yet when it comes to art.”
The current level of evidence is comparable to Phase 2 drug trials. The logical next step is large-scale, comparative research that also takes economic impacts into account. “We need to know: what does it cost, and what are the benefits? Not only in terms of happiness, but also in terms of healthcare utilization.”
Creating and Experiencing Art
The research isn’t limited to actively creating art. Experiencing art also has demonstrable effects. In collaboration with the Rijksmuseum, researchers are investigating how people with Parkinson’s can enjoy art in a safe and accessible way. Through digital introductions, virtual tours, and museum visits during low-stimulus times, they are examining how this affects mood, stress, and quality of life.
This approach aligns with a broader movement toward prevention and positive health: investing in well-being before symptoms escalate. “These are interventions with a short turnaround time,” says Bloem. “You can demonstrate the added value relatively quickly.”
Dopamine as a Connecting Factor
Bloem’s central message: art is beneficial for many people. And not just for people with Parkinson’s, but also for people with many other diseases. “Think of the stories from nursing homes where Alzheimer’s patients need less sedative medication because they listen to music.”
What’s interesting about art and Parkinson’s is the role that dopamine plays. “You need dopamine to be creative and to enjoy art. At the same time, a lack of dopamine can lead to Parkinson’s disease.”
See also: How a Smart Music Player Restores Quality of Life for People with Dementia
A Call to Policymakers
According to Bloem, there is an important lesson here for policymakers and administrators. Art is not a miracle cure, nor is it a substitute for medical care. But it is a powerful tool within a holistic approach to health.
“Don’t view art as a luxury. View it as a serious investment in health, well-being, and quality of life. If we want to make healthcare future-proof, we must dare to incorporate these kinds of interventions.”
September 29: Benefit concert for Parkinson’s research
On Tuesday, September 29, Bas Bloem, in collaboration with Concertgebouw De Vereeniging, is organizing a special benefit concert to raise funds for Parkinson’s research—a disease that profoundly affects the lives of many. Proceeds from ticket sales will go toward scientific research, so you’ll not only be attending an impressive musical event but also directly contributing to the fight against Parkinson’s.
Performing on stage will be artists such as Frank Boeijen, Henk Hofstede (NITS), Tania Kross, Dries Roelvink, and other musicians who either live with Parkinson’s themselves or have a loved one with the disease. DJ Armin van Buuren will also make a special appearance.
The afternoon will be hosted by Leo Blokhuis, the Netherlands’ leading music professor, who will speak with Bas Bloem about research into the unique relationship between art, dopamine, and Parkinson’s. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view an extensive art exhibition featuring works by people living with Parkinson’s.
Buy your ticket now on the Concertgebouw De Vereeniging website.
You can also purchase an extra ticket and have it donated to someone with Parkinson’s who is on a limited income. In collaboration with the Parkinson’s Association, we select the individuals who are eligible to receive these tickets.
