Lies, Damned Lies and Statistics

Whilst reading the latest news headlines on the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) web site just now, I happened upon what seemed like a rather interesting article entitled Brain fluid draining eases dementia: research. Fascinated, I read on.

…The study investigated 20 patients…71 per cent of our patients improved in memory and mental function and 94 per cent improved in balance and walking…

Hang on a second…71 percent of 20 patients would be…14.2 patients; 94 percent of 20 patients would be…18.8 patients. Huh?