Omaha Man Battles Parkinson's with Bob Ross-Style Paintings

Nebraska sees highest rates of Parkinson's disease in the U.S.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:34am

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A minimalist illustration featuring a paintbrush and palette defined by glowing neon lines against a dark background, conceptually representing the artistic process as a means of managing Parkinson's disease.Arneson's Bob Ross-inspired paintings provide a creative outlet and mental exercise to help manage his Parkinson's symptoms.Omaha Today

Dave Arneson, an Omaha resident diagnosed with Parkinson's disease a decade ago, has taken up painting in the style of Bob Ross as a way to battle the disease. Nebraska currently has the highest rate of Parkinson's cases per 100,000 people in the U.S., and Arneson is using his art to spread awareness about the disease in his community.

Why it matters

Parkinson's disease is a growing health concern in Nebraska, and Arneson's story highlights how individuals can use creative outlets like painting to manage the symptoms of the disease. His efforts to raise awareness and support others diagnosed with Parkinson's are important in a state facing the highest rates of the condition nationwide.

The details

Arneson, who was given 10 years to live when he was first diagnosed with Parkinson's, has not retired from his job and uses painting as a mental exercise to battle the disease. He draws inspiration from Bob Ross and enjoys creating paintings that resemble the iconic artist's work. Arneson recently attended a Parkinson's Foundation educational event in Elkhorn, Nebraska, where he spoke about his experience and the importance of making information about the disease more accessible.

  • A decade ago, doctors gave Arneson 10 years to live.
  • Arneson attended a Parkinson's Foundation educational event in Elkhorn, Nebraska on Monday.

The players

Dave Arneson

An Omaha resident who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease a decade ago and has taken up painting in the style of Bob Ross as a way to battle the disease.

Nick Arneson

Dave Arneson's son, who has witnessed his father's transformation from quiet to outgoing as he works to spread awareness about Parkinson's disease.

Rachel Spooner

A neuroscience researcher at Boys Town National Research Hospital who spoke at the Parkinson's Foundation event and discussed how Arneson's painting hobby can help improve symptoms like handwriting.

Parkinson's Foundation

An organization that hosted the educational event in Elkhorn, Nebraska, which Arneson attended to share his story and connect with others affected by Parkinson's disease.

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What they’re saying

“I watch a ton of Bob Ross and a lot of my paintings look like Bob Ross' so I enjoy doing them.”

— Dave Arneson

“Looking back I had all the symptoms I just didn't really pay attention.”

— Dave Arneson

“I told her which strangely enough I think I'm a better person with Parkinson's.”

— Dave Arneson

“Those painting and those motions with the strokes might help improve their handwriting so it becomes legible again.”

— Rachel Spooner, Neuroscience Researcher, Boys Town National Research Hospital

What’s next

Arneson looks forward to the Parkinson's Foundation's Moving Day, an event where neighbors can get active at Werner Park. The event takes place on June 7 this year.

The takeaway

Arneson's story highlights how individuals living with Parkinson's disease can use creative outlets like painting to manage their symptoms and spread awareness about the condition, especially in a state like Nebraska that is facing the highest rates of Parkinson's in the country.