Parkinson's disease takes centre stage in the two-part documentary “De boer, de broer, de zus en de ziekte” (English: The Farmer, the Brother, the Sister and the Disease). In the series, television host Yvon Jaspers explores what we currently know about Parkinson's disease, the possible role of environmental factors, and the impact the condition has on patients and their loved ones. Bas Bloem, neurologist at Radboud university medical center and internationally renowned Parkinson's expert, contributes to the documentary, which is now available to stream on NPO Start.
The documentary stems from a personal experience. In 2024, Jaspers' younger brother, Willem, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the age of 40. His diagnosis introduced her to the growing public discussion about the possible causes of Parkinson's, including the influence of environmental factors.
A key contributor to the documentary is Parkinson neurologist Bas Bloem. He explains that genetic predisposition tells only part of the story. Researchers are increasingly investigating how long-term exposure to various environmental factors may contribute to the development of the disease.
A growing body of research points to possible links between Parkinson's disease and factors such as air pollution, pesticides, solvents, and other environmental exposures. According to Bloem, Parkinson's is likely caused by a complex interplay of factors that accumulate over decades, rather than by a single identifiable cause.
In the documentary, he discusses several recent scientific studies. Bloem says: 'Every day, ten families in the Netherlands are confronted with a Parkinson's diagnosis. That is ten too many. I see it as my responsibility to help these people. We want to slow the growth of this disease, and further research is crucial to achieving that goal. I am eager to work together with all stakeholders involved, because only through collaboration can we develop effective and appropriate solutions.'
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Pauline Dekhuijzen
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