Listening

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Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. predict
    • ex. Doctors hope new tests will help predict some diseases before symptoms appear.
  2. preventable
    • ex. Some accidents are preventable if people follow safety rules.
  3. a decline
    • ex. The patient’s health showed a gradual decline over several months.
  4. leafy
    • ex. Leafy green vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet.
  5. a whole grain
    • ex. I try to eat more whole grains, such as brown rice and oats.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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New blood tests may help predict Alzheimer’s disease years before symptoms appear, but doctors say the tests are not yet ready for general use. Experts say people who worry about dementia should not take these tests unless they are taking part in research studies. Instead, they should focus on ways to protect brain health.

A large study found that people who avoided preventable health problems, such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and smoking, stayed free of dementia for nearly 13 years longer than people with all three problems. Researchers studied the health records of more than 12,000 people for many years. They found that avoiding even one or two of these health problems was helpful. Even people with the APOE4 gene, which can increase Alzheimer’s risk, benefited from a healthier lifestyle.

Experts recommend regular exercise, enough sleep, and an active social life. One recent study found that exercise and a healthy diet may slow mental decline in older adults at higher risk of dementia. The MIND diet includes foods such as leafy green vegetables, berries, whole grains, fish, and chicken. Doctors also advise keeping the brain active.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Risks

  • New blood tests can predict Alzheimer’s disease years before symptoms appear, but doctors don’t recommend them right now. Given the chance, would you take this test? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, what may cause Alzheimer’s disease and dementia? Discuss.
  • When do you think people should start thinking of Alzheimer’s and dementia? Discuss.

Brain Health and Healthy Lifestyle

  • What do you think is the most important thing people can do to protect their brain health (ex. be more social, keep their brain active)? Why? Discuss.
  • What MIND diet food would you like to eat more often (ex. leafy green vegetables, whole grains)? Why? Discuss.
  • Why do you think some people find it difficult to change unhealthy habits? Discuss.