Data from the primary, secondary, and tertiary outcomes will be analyzed using Mixed Models Design and Intention to Treat (ITT) analyses. Functional MRI data are pre-processed and analyzed with FMRIB Expert Analysis Tool (FEAT) and the 'randomize' algorithm implemented in FSL (FMRIB Software Library; www.fmrib.ox.ac.uk/fsl). Functional MRI data is analysed using region of interest (ROI) analyses to assess potential differences in neural activity within the dorsal prefrontal cortex and the hippocampi between EPO and placebo groups after 2 weeks of treatment. Exploratory whole-brain analyses are conducted to assess treatment-related activity change in other brain regions. Any differences in neural activity between treatment groups are correlated with potential changes in the primary cognitive composite measure after 2 weeks of treatment (week 3) and after treatment completion (week 13). If this correlation is significant, multiple regression analyses will be performed with adjustment for mood symptoms, age, and gender to assess the potential predictive value of early neural activity change for potential pro-cognitive efficacy after 12 weeks of EPO treatment.