Read the text below to answer question 17–18.
Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a form of dementia, which is a
brain disorder. It damages nerve cells in the brain. This affects
your ability to remember things, think clearly, and care for
yourself. AD begins slowly, and symptoms get worse with time.
Eventually, a person with AD might need help in many areas,
including eating and getting dressed. For some people in the
early or middle stages of the disease, medicine might help
symptoms, such as memory loss, from getting worse for a
limited time. Other drugs may help people feel less worried or
depressed. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease can be extremely
difficult, but planning ahead and getting support can lighten the
load. AD usually begins after age 60, and risk goes up with age.
The risk is also higher if a family member has had AD. Scientists
are working to better understand AD. Ongoing studies are
looking at whether some things can help prevent or delay the
disease. Areas that are being explored include exercise, eating
omega–3 fatty acids, and keeping your brain active.
Alzheimer´s disease.
Available in: http://www.womenshealth.gov
Read the sentence below and choose the alternative that
presents a synonym to the underlined word.
“Ongoing studies are looking at whether some things can
help prevent or delay the disease.”
