cognition and function, page-6

have been posting a lot - apologies and will keep this brief (SP still keeping me inactive at work...).

1. Study not powered to detect cognitive impairment - means trial can't find a difference if one truly exists (between PBT and placebo).

2. Inclusion criteria was MCI (MMSE >20 from memory - not significantly impaired). Therefore, expect slow deterioration in cognition in placebo group (think they were also allowed cholinesterase inhibitors - delay impairment further).

3. Idea of neuroplasticity and "cognitive cliff" - cognitive dysfunction delayed by the 'reserve' of the neurones to cope with early insults (by plaque/fibrillary tangles/etc) - need to follow patients for longer period (hence my anticipation of extension data). Structural changes likely to precede this (hence importance of MRI data).

Raw data will clarify some aspects (e.g. was there a decline in the placebo group at all etc etc.)

don't rely on this - just my opinion