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     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 "brain-training" games that have reproduced a

multi-million 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 from getting worse

comes after Age Concern warned more than a million people aged over 65 living alone in their own

homes. The charity warned solitary lifestyles were a 'silent disease' spreading through the nation quickly.

     Dr. Martin said most people experienced a cognitive decline (下降) 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 brain-training 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's the main idea of Paragraph 1?

A. People should play more "brain-training" games.

B. Training has a great effect on our health.

C. Having 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. Lacking patience.

D. Enjoying being old.

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 "brain-training" 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. bad-tempered people