Question

    Alzheimer’s disease is a major national health problem. Nearly 2 million Americans over the age of 65 have Alzheimer’s disease. It is a leading cause of death among the elderly. But Alzheimer’s disease is not confined （限于） to the aged. There may be a million or more people under the age of 65 suffering from the disease.

At one time, people suffering from the disease were said to be “getting old”. The disease was thought to be a natural part of growing old, but it is now known that Alzheimer’s disease strikes young and old alike. It is an organic （器官的） disease, that destroys brain cells.

Alzheimer’s disease affects the patient’s memory, speech, and movement. In the beginning stages of the disease, the patient may seem slightly confused. He may have trouble speaking, and then the patient’s memory begins to fail. He may forget dates, numbers, names and plans.

As the disease progresses, the patient may not recognize family and friends. These symptoms（症状） often cause terrible anxiety in the patient. He may feel lost and frightened. Sometimes the patient reacts with wild and bad behavior.

In the last stages of the disease, the patient may not be able to take care of himself. He may have lost the ability to speak and walk.

Scientists don’t know exactly what causes Alzheimer’s disease. It may be caused by a virus （病毒）.It may be caused by a poisonous substance（物质） in the environment. At present, there is no cure for the disease. But there are ways to slow its progress. Exercise and physical treatment can help the patients of this disease.

1.The main idea of the passage is that Alzheimer’s disease ________.

A. is a terrible part of the aging process

B. can be cured by physical treatment

C. is an organic disease that affects young and old

D. causes forgetfulness

2.All of the following are symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease EXCEPT________.

A. loss of sight B. difficulty in speaking

C. forgetfulness D. loss of the ability to walk

3.According to the passage, which of the following may be a cause of Alzheimer’s disease?

A. A virus B. Getting old.

C. .Poisons produced by the brain. D. Lack of exercise.

4.The process of Alzheimer’s disease can be slowed by________.

A. operation B. a change in environment

C. medicines D. physical treatment and exercise

Answer

1.C

2.A

3.A

4.D

【解析】

这是一篇说明文。前两段通过阿尔茨海默氏病人数和人群的现状证明了不是老年人才会患此病，第三四五段说明了这个病的三个发展阶段，最后一段说明了这个病的病因和治疗现状。病因还不明确，也没有完全的治愈方案，只能延缓病情。

1.主旨大意题。文章前两段点明中心，通过年龄低于65岁的阿尔茨海默氏病人数占了全部患此病人数一半的这个事实，引出了文章观点：阿尔茨海默氏病是一种器官疾病，年轻人和老人一样容易患此病。故C选项正确。

2.细节理解题。从文章第三段可知，have trouble speaking（说话困难）和memory begins to fail（记忆力下降）是病情第一阶段症状。从文章第五段可知，lost the ability to speak and walk（丧失语言和行走能理）是病情发展的最后一个阶段。使用排除法，故A选项正确。

3.细节理解题。从文章第六段中的“It may be caused by a virus.”可知，阿尔茨海默氏病可能是有一种病毒引起的。故A选项正确。

4.细节理解题。从文章第六段中的“But there are ways to slow its progress. Exercise and physical treatment can help the patients of this disease.”可知，运动和物理治疗可以延缓病情的发展。故D选项正确。