Research Explores Connection Between Creativity, Dopamine in Parkinson’ s
By Heather Salerno
Spring / Summer 2026 | Research
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New trial will explore how creating and experiencing art can help people living with Parkinson’ s.
FOR YEARS, research has suggested that artistic pursuits can improve physical and mental health. Now, Dutch investigators are testing whether art can boost dopamine levels in the brain and help ease symptoms of Parkinson’ s disease.
Bastiaan( Bas) Bloem, MD, PhD, director of the Center of Expertise for Parkinson’ s Disease at Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands, will lead an 18-month trial examining how creativity can help people living with Parkinson’ s. Of 480 participants, one group will look at artwork at Amsterdam’ s Rijksmuseum, another will make art, and a control group will not engage in any artistic activities.
“ We know exercise, nutrition and stress management are important for people living with Parkinson’ s. But as part of a holistic approach to care, I think art is a missing piece,” Dr. Bloem said.“ The anecdotes are compelling, and we’ re now putting them to the test.”
Awarded the 2025 Robert A. Pritzker Prize for Leadership in Parkinson’ s Research by MJFF, Dr. Bloem is using the accompanying grant to fund the trial. It builds on a pilot study in which eight participants living with Parkinson’ s explored painting, singing, writing and other creative pursuits over 10 weeks. Published in 2025, results showed significant reductions in anxiety, improved well-being, slight cognitive gains and fewer health care visits.
Dr. Bloem, who specializes in nonpharmacological treatment strategies, believes this new, larger-scale trial will show that creating and experiencing art have therapeutic benefits. If successful, the findings could inform artbased interventions for Parkinson’ s and other neurological conditions.
“ Art isn’ t another item to add to an already full treatment plan; it’ s a tool to support everyday life with Parkinson’ s,” explained Rachel Dolhun, MD, DipABLM, principal medical advisor at MJFF.“ Whether it’ s listening to music to ease anxiety, singing to strengthen voice, dancing to support balance and rhythm, or creating visual art to express emotion, art can help ease symptoms, build connection and support emotional well-being in ways medication alone cannot.”
Art to treat Parkinson’ s? Learn more in our latest Ask the MD video: michaeljfox. org / power-of-art