As many people hit middle age, they often start to notice their memory and mental clarity

　　As many people hit middle age, they often start to notice their memory and mental clarity are not what they used to be. We suddenly can’t remember where we put the keys just a moment ago, or an old acquaintance’s name, or the name of an old band we used to love. As the brain fades, we refer to these occurrences as“senior moments”.

This loss of mental focus can potentially have a disadvantageous effect on our professional, social, and personal well-being.

It happens to most of us, but is it inevitable(不可避免的)?

Neuroscientists are increasingly showing there’s actually a lot that can be done. It turns that the brain needs exercise in much the same way our muscles do, and the right mental exercise can significantly improve our basic cognitive functions. Thinking is essentially a process of making neural connections in the brain. Scientists believe intelligence can expand according to mental effort and practice.

Now, a new San Francisco Web-based company has taken it a step further and developed the first “brain training program” to help people regain their mental sharpness. Called Lumosity, it was designed by some of the leading experts in neuroscience and cognitive psychology from Stanford University.

Lumosity, is not only an online place to exercise your mental skills. That’s because they have integrated(整合)these exercises into a Web-based program allowing you to systematically improve your memory and attention. The program records your progress and provides detailed feedback on your improvement. Most importantly, it constantly modifies the games you play to build on the strengths you are developing—much like an effective exercise routine requires you to increase resistance and vary your muscle use.

Does it work?

Apparently it does. In controlled clinical trials, Lumosity was shown to greatly improve basic cognitive functions. One study showed students improved their scores on math tests by 34 percent after using Lumosity for six weeks, significantly greater gains than those made by other students in the same class, not training with the Lumosity program.

The company says its users have reported clearer and quicker thinking, improved memory for names, numbers, directions, increased alertness, awareness, mood, and better concentration at work or while driving.

Lumosity is currently offering a free trial of their program to new users so that you can see how well it works before you decide to subscribe.

1. Many middle-aged people’s memory is decreasing because　　　　.

A. their brains are injured

B. their brains don’t have enough oxygen

C. their brains aren’t supplied with enough blood

D. their brains are growing old

2. What’s the main idea of the fourth paragraph?

A. Our muscles need to exercise.

B. Scientists believe our brain needs improving by running.

C. Scientists believe proper mental practice can improve intelligence.

D. Our muscles have connections with our brain.

3. Which of the following is NOT the function of Lumosity?

A. Improving your memory and attention.

B. Increasing your resistance for diseases.

C. Recording your advance and offering feedback in detail on your improvement.

D. Modifying the games you play to build on the strengths you are developing.

4. If you want to order Lumosity, what should you do first?

A. You can get a free trial of their program.

B. You can pay money for it first.

C. You can first get it and then pay for it.

D. You can think quickly.

DCBA