Aim of Vas-Cog working groups

The Vas-Cog Executive Committee (EC) has proposed to develop working groups on major areas of interest. Timo Erkinjuntti has been nominated by the EC to co-ordinate the working groups.

The aim of these study groups is work towards standardization, quantification, valorization, application and validation of cardinal elements in the study of vascular factors of cognition and behaviour. Please read careful Vladimir Hachinski's letter on the topic 26 March 2004.

The first goal is to create a common vocabulary and set of minimum standard items to be included. The items will be divided into three levels of interest:

1)		absolutely essential, core items

2)		desirable items,

3)		items in an ideal level

The Vas-Cog active members are asked to contact the Chair of the working group in case of interest to joint the work.

The time-table and first practical goals:

1.		Activate the process, spring 2004. The EC send invitation to the first chairman who will serve until the Florence Congress at which time the working groups will hold elections. The EC expect comments and outline how the chairs popose to proceed by April 12, and will discuss the responses April 16th in the next EC meeting in Montreal.

2.		Planning and organizing the study sections, spring - autumn 2004, report to the EC Dec 1 2004

3.		First teaching courses of selected study sections, Florence conference 2005. Proposals to the EC spring - autumn 2004.