高中英语语法填空:短文题型能力练习 Test 27

New research suggests that speaking more than one language may delay different kinds of dementia, that is the lost of mental ability. In fact, researchers say, speaking two languages appears 　61　 (be) more important than the level of education in 　62　 (defend) against dementias.

A study in India examined the effect of knowing more than one language in delaying the first signs of several disorders. 　63　 included Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, vascular dementia, Lewy bodies dementia and mixed dementias. Researchers studied nearly 650 people 　64　 average age was 66.240 of those studied suffered from Alzheimer's, the most common form of mental decline.

Three hundred ninety-one of the subjects spoke two or more languages. Investigators found the dementias began about four-and-a-half years later in those who were bilingual compared to those who 　65　 (speak) only one language. The level of education had no effect on the age at the first sign of dementia.

Thomas Bak helped to organize the study, believing this effort improves 　66　 scientists called executive functioning, 　67　 attention to tasks. This mental ability often weakens in people with dementias.

Researchers found 　68　 was no extra gain in speaking more than two languages. They also did not see a delay in the first signs of Lewy bodies dementia, the disorder causes patients to see or experience things that do not really exist. They can also cause sufferers to move back and forth 　69　 being wide awake and really sleeping.

Mr Bak says it does not appear important 　70　 you learn a language at a young age or later in life.