"Alzheimer's is a disease of progression and the rate at which each patient declines is not linear. So, it is impressive that your friend was that in touch with each of his patients to be able to tell that they did not benefit from the drugs"
Having participated in many phase 3 trials for Alzheimer's drug candidates (and currently involved in one right now) as both a primary (CIBIC,CRD) and secondary (ADAS-Cog) rater, I can vouch that the modal Alzheimer's patient, with an enrollment MMSE of 22-26 will demonstrate an observable and ratable decline during the course of the typical 26-52 week trial period. It is interesting to see, as well, the occasional improvement in the same patients.
The drug manufacturers require that we sign confidentiality statements as well as 1572's and researchers can't take advantage of our observations in either direction, so I stay out of the investing of Alzheimer's research drug co.'s, but I would tell you, that, in general, I would not risk my money in this arena even when I read promising research.
regards
aj
