The Link Between Art and Parkinson’s Disease

There’s a new and greater understanding of the relationship of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and art. Engaging in artistic practices can enhance mood, cognitive function, and enjoyment of life for people with PD. Importantly, how art causes these effects is giving greater insight into the neurobiological basis of how people in general create and respond to art. Central to this insight is the role of the neurotransmitter dopamine. In this episode, Prof. Bas Bloem, Director of the Parkinson’s Foundation’s Center of Excellence at Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, explores the emerging importance of incorporating art in the treatment of PD and the role of dopamine for enhancing people’s enjoyment and creativity. Dopamine has been called the “happiness hormone,” but it may also be the creativity hormone.