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, 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（癥狀） 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（物質） 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.
【小題1】The main idea of the passage is that Alzheimer’s disease ________.

A．is a terrible part of the aging process

B．is an organic disease that affects young and old

C．can be cured by physical treatment

D．causes forgetfulness

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

A．forgetfulness	B．difficulty in speaking
C．loss of sight	D．loss of the ability to walk

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

A．Poisons produced by the brain.	B．Getting old.
C．A virus.	D．Lack of exercise.

【小題4】 The press of Alzheimer’s disease can be slowed by________.

A．operation	B．a change in environment
C．medicines	D．physical treatment and exercise

Answer 1

【小題1】B
【小題2】C
【小題3】C
【小題4】D

解析試題分析：
【小題1】B 細節題。根據第二段2,3行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.說明B正確。
【小題2】C 細節題。根據文章3,三段He may have trouble speaking, then the patient’s memory begins to fail.說明AB是老年癡呆癥的癥狀。根據第五段He may have lost the ability to speak and walk.說明D項是癥狀，而C項沒有提及。
【小題3】.C 細節題。根據最后一段第二句It may be caused by a virus （病毒）什么嗎C正確。
【小題4】D 細節題。根據文章最后一句Exercise and physical treatment can help the patients of this disease.說明D正確。
考點：考查科普類短文閱讀
點評：文章介紹了老年癡呆癥的癥狀病因以及寫作人們對它的治療方法。本文屬于科普類短文，對于考生來說，詞匯方面的困難是最大的困難。要求考生有一定的猜測詞義的能力。