New research suggests that speaking more than one language may delay different kinds of dementia(痴呆), that is the loss of mental ability. In fact, researchers say, speaking two languages appears to be more important than the level of education in defending against dementias.
A study in India examined the effect of knowing more than one language in delaying the first signs of several dementias. Researchers studied nearly 650 people whose average age was 66. 240 of those studied suffered from Alzheimer's, the most common form of mental decline(下降). 391 of the
subjects spoke two or more languages. Researchers found the dementias began about four-and-a-half years later in those who spoke two languages compared to those who spoke only one language. The level of education had no effect on the age at the first sign of dementia.
Thomas Bak, from the Center of Cognitive Aging at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, who helped to organize the study, suggests that individuals who speak more than one language train their brains by moving back and forth between different words and expressions. He also believes this effort improves what scientists called executive(执行的) functioning, which often weakens in people with dementias. He states that researchers found there was no extra gain in speaking more than two languages.
Mr Bak says it does not appear important whether you learn another language at a young age or later in life. It's not something that “you missed the boat when you do not do it as a baby.” It is something that is still quite useful and powerful when you do it as an adult.
小题1:The finding of the study is that________.
| A．learning more than one language can cure dementias |
| B．speaking two languages may delay kinds of dementias |
| C．the level of education matters in defending against dementias |
| D．people who suffer from dementias will lose mental ability |
小题2:The underlined word “subjects” refers to________.
| A．people who were studied in the study |
| B．notices that were put on about the study |
| C．questions that were asked in the study |
| D．methods that were used in the study |
小题3:According to Mr Bak, ________.
| A．the more languages one speaks, the less chance of getting dementias |
| B．people’s executive functioning often strengthens with age |
| C．when you learn one more language makes no difference |
| D．it is much easier to learn one more language at a young age |
小题4:This passage may probably be seen in________.
| A．a research plan | B．a health magazine |
| C．a book review | D．a business magazine |