Clinical Disease Progression in Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson's disease is a rapidly developing scientific area in which research is increasingly based on collaboration between professional milieus, both in national and international perspective. In addition to staff at the Department of Neurology and the Norwegian Centre for Movement Disorders, Stavanger University Hospital, the following persons and groups have been involved in the Stavanger Parkinson project and directly or indirectly contributed to papers included in this thesis: Acknowledgements First of all, I am deeply grateful to my supervisor Professor Jan Petter Larsen for introducing me in the scientific world of Parkinson's disease, and to let me understand that scientific work is enjoyable rather than a burden. Due to his inspiration, profound knowledge, and enthusiasm for clinical and epidemiological research this thesis was first made possible. His patience, guidance, and support in the process of this work will be in my mind forever. I also want to thank Professor Dag Aarsland for his invaluable contributions to this work, for sharing his profound psychiatric knowledge with me, and most of all, for inspiring me to become interested in the field of neuropsychiatric features in Parkinson's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. His neverending enthusiasm in research perspective and everyday practice sets an example for me to follow. There are many other persons who in some way were involved in this work and to whom I am very grateful. I thank Tore Wentzel-Larsen for his contributions to the statistical analysis, undoubtedly increasing the quality of papers included in this thesis. I am grateful to my colleagues Martin Kurz and Kristoffer Haugarvoll for their friendship, support, and cooperation. I also thank my fellow coworkers and the staff at the Department of Neurology, the Norwegian Centre for Movement Disorders and the Centre for Clinical Neuroresearch for supporting my research, and for invaluable feedback. Solveig Runestad, Marit Sangvig and Kirsten Lode have been of great importance for many practical and administrative aspects during the process. I appreciate all patients who were willing to participate and spending their time in studies related to the Stavanger Parkinson Project. Without their contributions this work never would have been possible. I also want to thank my family for always having supported me during my work. My mother and my deceased father have been keystones in my education, always 9 believing in me, motivating me, and supporting me. My brothers and sisters have been important encouragers during my studies. Last but …