#USA #New York #Parkinson's Research #Pritzker Prize #Bastiaan Bloem

Bastiaan Bloem Receives Prestigious Robert A. Pritzker Prize

In a significant recognition of his substantial contributions to Parkinson's disease research and holistic care, Dr. Bastiaan (Bas) Bloem, a distinguished neurologist and expert in movement disorders, has been awarded the 2025 Robert A. Pritzker Prize for Leadership in Parkinson's Research by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF).

Dr. Bloem serves as a professor at Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen, Netherlands, and leads the Center of Expertise for Parkinson's Disease. Over the past two decades, he has been at the forefront of advancing an integrative approach to treating Parkinson's, emphasizing not just clinical symptoms but the overall well-being of patients.

During the award ceremony at MJFF's Fall 2025 Research Roundtable in New York City, Brian Fiske, PhD, MJFF's Chief Scientist, praised Bloem's dedication, stating, "He has long championed a holistic approach to treating the person, not just the disease. He's shown through rigorous research that lifestyle, creativity, and community are essential parts of therapy."

Bloem's extensive body of work includes significant research on non-pharmacological interventions, which have been proven to enhance brain health and potentially slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. His notable studies include the Park-in-Shape trial, which illustrated how home-based exercise can boost neuroplasticity and maintain brain function, and the ongoing Slow-SPEED study, aimed at investigating early-stage exercise's role in delaying symptom onset.

Additionally, he leads the Personalized Parkinson Project (PPP), a longitudinal study tracking over 600 individuals to gather comprehensive clinical history and advance understanding of Parkinson's, alongside the MJFF's Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI). This collaboration seeks to uncover new insights into disease mechanisms and highlight potential therapeutic targets.

A trailblazer in health care networks, Bloem founded ParkinsonNet, a nationwide network of over 4,000 allied health professionals dedicated to delivering specialized, evidence-based care for Parkinson's patients throughout the Netherlands. This initiative has demonstrated a marked decrease in complications associated with Parkinson's, ultimately redefining patient care practices globally.

Upon receiving the award, Dr. Bloem expressed gratitude and motivation to continue his pivotal work, stating, "Receiving this award is an incredible honor and a powerful motivation to keep moving forward. Our aim has always been to collaborate with people living with Parkinson's and push the boundaries of science, care, and creativity until we put an end to this disease."

The Pritzker Prize, established in 2011, comes with a research grant of $200,000 and acknowledges those whose pioneering efforts have enhanced the comprehension and treatment of Parkinson's disease while inspiring future generations of researchers. Named in honor of Robert A. Pritzker, a prominent industrialist who lived with Parkinson's, this award reflects the ongoing commitment to improving the lives of those affected by the condition.

Dr. Bloem’s research and advocacy continue to inspire and provide hope to many, ushering in a new era of understanding and treatment of Parkinson's disease. As he works alongside MJFF, their collaborative efforts remain crucial in the pursuit of a cure for this challenging neurological disorder.

For more updates, visit the Michael J. Fox Foundation's official website for further details on Dr. Bloem's impactful work and ongoing research initiatives.