I looked at that and thought..."They stopped getting worse" (regressing, which of course always happens w/AD Pts) but how do we measure progress beyond t=0?. If most trials are set to measure regression(all AD)then holding their own is great but unexpected. In that context then MacF's comments are reasonable.
I don't think the sentiment Macfarlane expressed was that there was no significant improvement on the rating scales, but rather that he for the first time is seeing data translated into real improvements to patients.
I am sure if you are someone, like Macfarlane, who has been working with Alzheimer's patients and various drugs for a long time, you know real improvement when you see it!