Text A

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

When one is affected by disease, neurons in the brain are progressively destroyed and the
transmission of signals across the synapses is disrupted. Over time, nerve cell death and tissue
loss results in dramatic shrinkage of the brain and loss of brain function, affecting learning and
memory, thinking and planning, speech and communication, and eventually involving virtually
all areas of brain function. It is normal to suffer occasional lapses of memory, especially with
advancing age. However, serious memory loss, confusion and difficulties with thinking that
interfere with daily functioning could indicate some form of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease
accounts for 50 to 70 per cent of dementia. While it is more common in older people, even
people in their 30s and 40s may have early-stage of Alzheimer’s. While there is no cure, there
are treatments that may help slow or delay progression and assist with symptoms. Symptoms
may be cognitive {affecting memory, language. judgment and planning) or behavioural and
psychiatric {such as emotional distress, uncontrolled outbursts, yelling and paranoia}.
Depending on the nature and severity of symptoms, a doctor can advise which medicines and
supportive measures may help. Early diagnosis and assessment is vital for future planning as
well as to maximise opportunities to take advantage of available treatments.

Text B
Treatment Options

MEDICATIONS
Cholinesterase inhibitors - Most effective at early stage of disease.

PROCEDURES
Counselling - Helps patients cope with trauma and loss.
Physical therapies - Improve mobility, speech, daily function.

NATURAL METHODS
Herbs - Ginkgo biloba and huperzine A
Vitamins - Antioxidants help protect brain coils

Text C
Launch of Australia’s first dementia and exercise study

National Ageing Research Institute [NARI] has started recruiting volunteers for an Australian-
first study to assess whether physical activity can improve the memory, concentration and well
being of people with Alzheimer’s Disease [AD]. The collaborative study, officially launched at
NARI in June, also involves the Universities of Melbourne, Western Australia and Queensland.
Alzheimer’s Australia is also supporting Fitness at the Ageing Brain Study II [known as FABS
II]. At the launch, Professor Nicola Lautenschlager, who heads the study, highlighted how her
earlier research had shown that regular exercise improved brain function in older people. The
hope is that a physical activity program will also benefit people with mild to moderate AD.

“Several medications are available to treat AD but this isn’t enough to help families deal with
this complex problem. We are pleased to be looking at a non-pharmacological option,” says
Professor Lautenschlager. The physical activity program involves a commitment of 150 minutes
a week, which is about 20 minutes daily. Walking is the most popular physical activity for older
people but the program will be tailored to each person’s interests. Before stoning the program,
participants will be assessed on

aspects like muscle strength, flexibility, balance and memory function.

Text D
Exercise and Alzheimer’s disease
(University of Washington study published in Annals of Internal Medicine)
 The study followed 1,740 people aged 65 and older over a six-year period. At the start of
the study none showed signs of dementia.
 After six years, 158 participants had developed dementia, of which 107 had been
diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
 People who exercised three or more times a week had a 30% to 40% lower risk of
developing dementia compared with those who exercised fewer than three times per
week.
 Lead researcher Dr. Eric Larson said walking for 15 minutes three times a week was
enough to out the risk.
QUESTIONS
Questions 1-7

For each question, 1-7, decide which text (A, B, C or D) the information comes from. You
may use any letter more than once.
In which text can you find information about

1. What is the most effective medications at early stage of AD? _____

2. Where did the study by the University of Washington was published? _____
3. What are the cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease? _____
4. What does ‘NARI’ stands for? _____
5. Who was the lead researcher in the University of Washington study? _____
6. Who is supporting FABS II? _____
7. What are the behavioural and psychiatric symptoms of AD? _____

Questions 8-13

Answer each of the questions, 8-13, with a word or short phrase from one of the texts. Each
answer may include words, numbers or both.

_____ 8. How many subjects were there in the University of Washington study?
___ 9. What is the most popular physical activity in the physical activity program?
_____ 10. Which procedure helps the patients cope with trauma and loss?
_____ 11. Who can advise medicines and supportive measures for AD?
_____ 12. Which procedures improve the mobility of the patients with AD?
_____ 13. What can improve the brain function in older people?

14. According to_____, walking for 15 minutes three times a week can minimize the risk of AD.
15. _____ aren’t enough to help families deal with the complex problem of AD.
16. _____ like Ginkgo biloba, are used for the treatment of AD.
17. _____ is hoped to benefit people with mild to moderate AD.
18. _____ contains antioxidants that help to protect the brain coils.
19. At the start of the University of Washington study _____ showed signs of dementia.
20. When one is affected by AD, neurons in the brain are ______.
Answer Key:
1. B
2. D
3. A
4. C
5. D
6. C
7. A
8. 1,740
9. walking
10. counselling
11. doctor
12. physical therapies
13. regular exercise
14. Dr. Eric Larson
15. Medications
16. Herbs
17. physical activity program
18. vitamins
19. none
20. progressively destroyed