阅读理解
Do you want to improve your memory?Are you struggling to remember names and faces as you get
older?Try picking up the phone and speaking to someone.Scientists have found that holding a simple
conversation could be just as effective as playing popular 'braintraining' games that have reproduced a
multimillion pound industry.
Researchers compared 36 studies on memory exercises performed between 1970 and 2007.Some
studies suggested both healthy older adults and those with mild cognitive impairment (轻度认知缺陷)
could remember words better after some memory training.
However,other studies found this improvement was matched by those who were asked to hold a
discussion about art.
The finding that social interaction could be just as effective at keeping memory loss at bay comes after Age Concern warned more than a million people aged over 65 lived alone in their own homes.The charity warned solitary lifestyles were a 'silent epidemic (静默的流行病)'spreading through the nation quickly.
Dr Martin said most people experienced a cognitive decline in old age.This can include memory loss
and inability to plan,pay close attention or perform tasks as quickly as before.The normal rate of decline
seems to speed up in some people,leading to a condition called mild cognitive impairment,which some
researchers see as a reason for developing mental diseases later in life.
Although several studies have suggested that braintraining exercises could delay signs of cognitive
decline,the studies and the types of training have many different kinds.The findings do not mean that longer,more intense or different exercises might not be effective,but that those which have been reported thus far
have only limited effect.
Dr Martin concluded researchers needed to improve the way they used their studies to eventually
determine ways of preventing cognitive decline in old age.
1．What is the main idea of Paragraph 1?
A．People should play more 'braintraining' games.
B．Training has a great effect on our health.
C．Having a conversation can improve memory
D．People have no ways to improve memory
2．What does the underlined word "solitary" probably mean?
A．Unhealthy.
B．Alone.
C．Enjoying being alone.
D．Lacking patience.
3．Mild cognitive impairment can cause people to ________.
A．have mental diseases
B．develop physical diseases
C．worry about the coming of old age
D．escape from the reality in life
4．What message can be implied in the passage?
A．Most people suffer from memory loss.
B．There are more social problems to be settled at present.
C．No one can prevent old age from coming.
D．Whether "braintraining" exercises have a great effect on memory is not sure.
5．The passage would be of great help to ________.
A．children
B．housewives
C．elderly people
D．badtempered people
