Bas Bloem receives international award for Parkinson’s research

Parkinson’s expert and neurologist Bas Bloem, founder of ParkinsonNet, has been awarded the Robert A. Pritzker Prize for Leadership in Parkinson’s Research. This prestigious international award from the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) recognizes one researcher each year who has made an exceptional contribution to Parkinson’s research and who is committed to training the next generation of scientists.

Bloem receives the award for his groundbreaking work in the field of holistic, person-centered care and his commitment to collaboration and knowledge sharing worldwide. “Our ambition has always been to push the boundaries of science, care, and creativity together with people with Parkinson’s,” says Bloem. “This recognition is a huge incentive to continue until Parkinson’s is eradicated.”

The award was presented on Saturday, November 15, during the annual MJFF Research Round Table in New York. Bloem is internationally renowned for his research into non-drug interventions, such as exercise, mindfulness, and creative therapies, which contribute to brain health and may slow the disease process. His research on exercise has shown that training at home can promote the brain’s ability to adapt. The ongoing Slow-SPEED study is the world’s first Parkinson’s prevention study to investigate whether exercise in the very early stages of the disease can delay or even prevent the onset of symptoms.

Large-scale study

Bloem also leads the Parkinson Op Maat study, a large-scale study in which more than 600 people are being monitored over a long period of time to develop new biomarkers and digital applications. Bloem is also co-founder of ParkinsonNet, a national care network of more than 4,200 specialized healthcare providers who offer multidisciplinary, evidence-based care. Scientific research shows that this innovative care model leads to better outcomes for people with Parkinson’s and significantly lower healthcare costs. The model is now being replicated in several other countries.

The Robert A. Pritzker Prize, established in 2011, includes a research grant of $200,000 (over €170,000) and is awarded to scientists who draw attention to Parkinson’s disease and have a lasting impact on the field.

Source: Radboudumc