This paper provides some ideas for improving the quality of Alzheimer disea
se (AD) research projects by using the appropriate quantitative methods. St
atistical tests for answering research questions are presented according to
the types of design used. Recently published research studies illustrate s
ome pitfalls to avoid and issues to consider when planning research; threat
s posed by multiple comparisons, how to control for threats, and cautions t
o use in interpreting those studies that do not control for the effects of
chance. Careful attention to these details will strengthen the work and thu
s improve the state of the science relative to the care of persons with Alz
heimer disease.