A recent major report has identified two new risk factors for dementia: failing eyesight and high cholesterol. According to the Lancet Commission, addressing these health issues could potentially prevent nearly half of all dementia cases worldwide. The report highlights that middle-aged individuals and populations in poorer countries stand to benefit the most from mitigating these risks. As the global population ages, the number of people living with dementia is projected to increase significantly, potentially exceeding 153 million by the year 2050.

Dementia, which often manifests as confusion and memory loss, is primarily caused by diseases like Alzheimer’s that damage brain cells. While genetics play a significant role in an individual’s risk for dementia, experts assert that approximately 45% of this risk is modifiable. Lead author Professor Gill Livingston from University College London emphasizes that it is never too early or too late to take preventive measures. She advocates for governments to address health inequalities and promote healthier lifestyles for all citizens.

The researchers have proposed a comprehensive list of recommendations for countries to implement. These include increasing access to hearing aids for those with hearing loss, ensuring quality education for everyone, supporting smoking cessation efforts, encouraging physical activity, and addressing high blood pressure and cholesterol from mid-life. Other suggestions involve tackling obesity early, reducing alcohol consumption, combating social isolation, screening for vision problems, and minimizing exposure to air pollution.

Personal stories, such as that of Andy Watts, illustrate the emotional toll of dementia. After witnessing his father’s decline due to Alzheimer’s, Watts is motivated to adopt a healthier lifestyle to reduce his own risk. He acknowledges the importance of focusing on diet and exercise, particularly given his family’s history of dementia and high cholesterol. This personal commitment reflects the report’s findings that certain lifestyle changes can help mitigate the risk of developing dementia.

While the report presents promising findings, some experts urge caution regarding the direct links between lifestyle factors and dementia. Professor Tara Spires-Jones from the University of Edinburgh notes that while the evidence is growing, it does not definitively establish causation. Additionally, Professor Charles Marshall from Queen Mary University London stresses that many risk factors are beyond individual control. Nonetheless, the report has been described as groundbreaking, as it challenges the misconception that dementia is an unavoidable consequence of aging and highlights the potential for lifestyle changes to enhance brain health.

Original news source: Two new dementia risks identified by major report (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– CHARADES
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Each group will take turns acting out terms related to dementia and its risk factors (e.g., “high cholesterol,” “physical activity,” “memory loss”) without speaking, while the other groups guess what they are. This will enhance vocabulary comprehension and encourage teamwork.

– OPINION SPECTRUM
Instructions: Create a line in the classroom with two extremes labeled “Strongly Agree” and “Strongly Disagree.” Present statements related to the article (e.g., “Lifestyle changes can significantly reduce dementia risk”). Students will stand along the line according to their opinions and discuss their reasoning with others who stand near them.

– MIND MAP
Instructions: In groups, students will create a mind map on the board that visually represents the key concepts from the article (e.g., risk factors, preventive measures, personal stories). They will discuss how these concepts are interconnected and present their mind map to the rest of the class.

– FUTURE PREDICTIONS
Instructions: Have students write down their predictions about the future of dementia research and prevention based on the article’s findings. They should consider societal changes, medical advancements, and lifestyle shifts. Then, in pairs, they will share and discuss their predictions with each other.

– SPEED SUMMARIZING
Instructions: Arrange students in two lines facing each other. Each pair will have 30 seconds to summarize the article to their partner. After 30 seconds, one line will rotate to the right, and the next pair will summarize. This continues until everyone has shared their summaries, enhancing their summarization skills and comprehension of the article.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What are the two new risk factors for dementia identified in the recent report by the Lancet Commission?
2. How could addressing failing eyesight and high cholesterol impact the number of dementia cases worldwide?
3. Which populations are indicated to benefit the most from mitigating the identified risk factors for dementia?
4. What role do genetics play in an individual’s risk for dementia, according to the article?
5. What preventive measures does Professor Gill Livingston suggest individuals and governments should take?
6. Can you list some of the recommendations proposed by the researchers for countries to implement in order to reduce dementia risk?
7. How does Andy Watts’ personal story reflect the findings of the report regarding lifestyle changes and dementia risk?
8. What caution do some experts express about the relationship between lifestyle factors and dementia, as mentioned in the article?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

A recent (1)______ report has identified two new risk factors for dementia: failing eyesight and high cholesterol. According to the Lancet Commission, addressing these health issues could potentially prevent nearly half of all dementia cases worldwide. The report (2)______ that middle-aged individuals and (3)______s in poorer countries stand to benefit the most from mitigating these risks. As the global population ages, the (4)______ of people living with dementia is projected to increase significantly, potentially exceeding 153 million by the year 2050.

Dementia, which often manifests as confusion and memory loss, is primarily caused by diseases like Alzheimer’s that damage brain cells. While genetics play a (5)______ role in an individual’s risk for (6)______, experts assert that approximately 45% of this risk is modifiable. Lead author Professor Gill Livingston from University College London emphasizes that it is never too early or too late to take preventive measures. She advocates for governments to address (7)______ inequalities and promote healthier lifestyles for all (8)______.

The researchers have proposed a comprehensive list of recommendations for countries to implement. These include increasing access to hearing aids for those with hearing loss, ensuring quality education for everyone, supporting smoking cessation efforts, encouraging physical activity, and addressing high blood pressure and cholesterol from mid-life. Other suggestions involve tackling obesity early, reducing alcohol (9)______, combating social isolation, screening for vision problems, and (10)______ exposure to air (11)______.

Personal stories, such as that of Andy Watts, illustrate the emotional toll of dementia. After witnessing his father’s decline due to Alzheimer’s, Watts is motivated to adopt a healthier lifestyle to (12)______ his own risk. He acknowledges the importance of focusing on diet and exercise, particularly given his family’s history of dementia and high cholesterol. This personal commitment reflects the report’s findings that certain lifestyle changes can help mitigate the risk of developing dementia.

While the report presents promising findings, some experts urge caution (13)______ the (14)______ links between lifestyle factors and dementia. Professor Tara Spires-Jones from the University of Edinburgh notes that while the evidence is growing, it does not definitively establish causation. Additionally, Professor (15)______ Marshall from Queen Mary University (16)______ stresses that many risk factors are beyond individual control. Nonetheless, the report has been described as groundbreaking, as it challenges the misconception that dementia is an unavoidable consequence of aging and highlights the potential for lifestyle changes to enhance brain health.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is a lifestyle change you think could significantly improve your health? Why do you believe that?

2. How would you feel if you were diagnosed with a condition that could lead to dementia? What would be your first steps?

3. Do you think access to healthcare resources, like hearing aids, should be a right for everyone? Why or why not?

4. What is a common misconception about aging that you have encountered? How do you think it affects people’s attitudes towards health?

5. How important do you think diet and exercise are in preventing diseases like dementia? Why?

6. Do you like to participate in group activities or sports? How do you think this impacts mental health?

7. What is a preventative measure you personally take to maintain your health? Why did you choose that specific measure?

8. How would you feel if your government implemented stricter regulations on air pollution? Do you think it would improve public health?

9. Do you think social isolation can have a significant impact on mental health? Why or why not?

10. What is a personal experience you have had with a family member or friend suffering from a cognitive decline? How did it affect you?

11. How do you think education plays a role in preventing health issues like dementia? Why is it important?

12. Do you think it’s realistic for people to make significant lifestyle changes as they get older? Why or why not?

13. What is a way you cope with stress, and how do you think it affects your overall health?

14. How would you feel if you had the opportunity to participate in a community program aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles? Would you join? Why or why not?

15. Do you think society places enough emphasis on mental health compared to physical health? Why or why not?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. dementia
2. mitigating
3. modifiable
4. inequalities
5. cessation
6. combating
7. exposure
8. toll
9. decline
10. motivated
11. commitment
12. definitive
13. causation
14. misconception
15. enhance

Meanings:
(A) A gradual and continuous loss of strength, quality, or value
(B) A view or opinion that is incorrect because it is based on faulty thinking or understanding
(C) Having a strong reason or incentive to do something
(D) A group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life
(E) The state of being in contact with something, often something harmful
(F) The process of ending or stopping something
(G) Conclusive and providing a final answer or solution
(H) Differences in size, degree, circumstances, etc.; lack of equality
(I) To improve or make better
(J) A pledge or promise to do something
(K) The action of causing something to happen or exist
(L) Making something less severe, serious, or painful
(M) Taking action to reduce or eliminate something undesirable
(N) Capable of being changed or adjusted
(O) The negative impact or burden of something
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What are the two new risk factors for dementia identified in the report?
(a) High blood pressure and diabetes
(b) Failing eyesight and high cholesterol
(c) Smoking and obesity
(d) Lack of exercise and poor diet

2. According to the report, who stands to benefit the most from addressing these health issues?
(a) Middle-aged individuals and populations in poorer countries
(b) Elderly individuals in developed countries
(c) Children and adolescents
(d) Individuals with a family history of dementia

3. What is the projected number of people living with dementia by the year 2050?
(a) Around 100 million
(b) Approximately 200 million
(c) Exceeding 153 million
(d) Less than 50 million

4. What does the lead author, Professor Gill Livingston, emphasize regarding preventive measures for dementia?
(a) It is never too early or too late to take preventive measures
(b) Preventive measures should only be taken by the elderly
(c) Genetics are the only important factor
(d) Preventive measures are not effective

5. Which of the following is NOT one of the recommendations proposed by the researchers?
(a) Encouraging physical activity
(b) Promoting the use of recreational drugs
(c) Screening for vision problems
(d) Increasing access to hearing aids

6. What personal commitment did Andy Watts make after witnessing his father’s decline due to Alzheimer’s?
(a) To avoid all medical treatments
(b) To focus solely on medication
(c) To adopt a healthier lifestyle
(d) To ignore his family’s history of dementia

7. What caution do some experts express regarding the report’s findings?
(a) The report may be overly optimistic
(b) The recommendations are too difficult to implement
(c) The report ignores genetic factors
(d) The evidence does not definitively establish causation

8. How has the report been described in terms of its impact on the perception of dementia?
(a) Controversial
(b) Groundbreaking
(c) Outdated
(d) Misleading

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The Lancet Commission’s report identifies failing eyesight and high cholesterol as new risk factors for dementia.
2. Addressing the identified health issues could potentially prevent less than half of all dementia cases worldwide.
3. Some experts caution that while evidence is shrinking regarding lifestyle factors and dementia, it does not definitively establish causation.
4. Personal stories, like that of Andy Watts, highlight the emotional impact of dementia and the importance of adopting a healthier lifestyle.
5. The report includes recommendations such as increasing access to hearing aids and ensuring quality education for all.
6. Middle-aged individuals and populations in poorer countries are expected to benefit the most from mitigating these risks.
7. Approximately 55% of an individual’s risk for dementia is considered modifiable, according to experts.
8. The number of people living with dementia is projected to exceed 153 million by the year 2050 due to a decreasing global population.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What are the two new risk factors for dementia identified in the recent report by the Lancet Commission?
2. How can addressing failing eyesight and high cholesterol potentially impact dementia cases worldwide?
3. What recommendations have researchers proposed for countries to help mitigate the risk of dementia?
4. How does Andy Watts’ personal story illustrate the emotional impact of dementia and the importance of lifestyle changes?
5. What caution do some experts express regarding the relationship between lifestyle factors and dementia risk?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What are the two new risk factors for dementia identified in the recent report by the Lancet Commission?
Failing eyesight and high cholesterol.

2. How could addressing failing eyesight and high cholesterol impact the number of dementia cases worldwide?
It could potentially prevent nearly half of all dementia cases worldwide.

3. Which populations are indicated to benefit the most from mitigating the identified risk factors for dementia?
Middle-aged individuals and populations in poorer countries.

4. What role do genetics play in an individual’s risk for dementia, according to the article?
Genetics play a significant role, but approximately 45% of the risk is modifiable.

5. What preventive measures does Professor Gill Livingston suggest individuals and governments should take?
She suggests that it is never too early or too late to take preventive measures and advocates for addressing health inequalities and promoting healthier lifestyles.

6. Can you list some of the recommendations proposed by the researchers for countries to implement in order to reduce dementia risk?
Increasing access to hearing aids, ensuring quality education, supporting smoking cessation, encouraging physical activity, addressing high blood pressure and cholesterol, tackling obesity, reducing alcohol consumption, combating social isolation, screening for vision problems, and minimizing exposure to air pollution.

7. How does Andy Watts’ personal story reflect the findings of the report regarding lifestyle changes and dementia risk?
His commitment to adopting a healthier lifestyle to reduce his own risk, especially focusing on diet and exercise, reflects the report’s findings that certain lifestyle changes can help mitigate the risk of developing dementia.

8. What caution do some experts express about the relationship between lifestyle factors and dementia, as mentioned in the article?
They note that while the evidence is growing, it does not definitively establish causation, and many risk factors are beyond individual control.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) major
(2) highlights
(3) population
(4) number
(5) significant
(6) dementia
(7) health
(8) citizens
(9) consumption
(10) minimizing
(11) pollution
(12) reduce
(13) regarding
(14) direct
(15) Charles
(16) London
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. dementia
Answer: (D) A group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life

2. mitigating
Answer: (L) Making something less severe, serious, or painful

3. modifiable
Answer: (N) Capable of being changed or adjusted

4. inequalities
Answer: (H) Differences in size, degree, circumstances, etc.; lack of equality

5. cessation
Answer: (F) The process of ending or stopping something

6. combating
Answer: (M) Taking action to reduce or eliminate something undesirable

7. exposure
Answer: (E) The state of being in contact with something, often something harmful

8. toll
Answer: (O) The negative impact or burden of something

9. decline
Answer: (A) A gradual and continuous loss of strength, quality, or value

10. motivated
Answer: (C) Having a strong reason or incentive to do something

11. commitment
Answer: (J) A pledge or promise to do something

12. definitive
Answer: (G) Conclusive and providing a final answer or solution

13. causation
Answer: (K) The action of causing something to happen or exist

14. misconception
Answer: (B) A view or opinion that is incorrect because it is based on faulty thinking or understanding

15. enhance
Answer: (I) To improve or make better
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What are the two new risk factors for dementia identified in the report?
Answer: (b) Failing eyesight and high cholesterol

2. According to the report, who stands to benefit the most from addressing these health issues?
Answer: (a) Middle-aged individuals and populations in poorer countries

3. What is the projected number of people living with dementia by the year 2050?
Answer: (c) Exceeding 153 million

4. What does the lead author, Professor Gill Livingston, emphasize regarding preventive measures for dementia?
Answer: (a) It is never too early or too late to take preventive measures

5. Which of the following is NOT one of the recommendations proposed by the researchers?
Answer: (d) Increasing access to hearing aids

6. What personal commitment did Andy Watts make after witnessing his father’s decline due to Alzheimer’s?
Answer: (c) To adopt a healthier lifestyle

7. What caution do some experts express regarding the report’s findings?
Answer: (d) The evidence does not definitively establish causation

8. How has the report been described in terms of its impact on the perception of dementia?
Answer: (b) Groundbreaking
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The Lancet Commission’s report identifies failing eyesight and high cholesterol as new risk factors for dementia. (Answer: True)
2. Addressing the identified health issues could potentially prevent less than half of all dementia cases worldwide. (Answer: False)
3. Some experts caution that while evidence is shrinking regarding lifestyle factors and dementia, it does not definitively establish causation. (Answer: False)
4. Personal stories, like that of Andy Watts, highlight the emotional impact of dementia and the importance of adopting a healthier lifestyle. (Answer: True)
5. The report includes recommendations such as increasing access to hearing aids and ensuring quality education for all. (Answer: True)
6. Middle-aged individuals and populations in poorer countries are expected to benefit the most from mitigating these risks. (Answer: True)
7. Approximately 55% of an individual’s risk for dementia is considered modifiable, according to experts. (Answer: False)
8. The number of people living with dementia is projected to exceed 153 million by the year 2050 due to a decreasing global population. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧