A recent important report has found two new things that can increase the risk of dementia: poor eyesight and high cholesterol. The Lancet Commission says that if we tackle these health problems, we could possibly prevent almost half of all dementia cases around the world. The report points out that middle-aged people and those living in poorer countries would benefit the most from reducing these risks. As more people age, the number of individuals with dementia is expected to rise significantly, possibly reaching over 153 million by 2050.

Dementia often shows up as confusion and memory loss, and it is mainly caused by diseases like Alzheimer’s that harm brain cells. While genetics can increase a person’s risk for dementia, experts believe that about 45% of this risk can be changed. Professor Gill Livingston from University College London, who led the study, stresses that it’s never too early or too late to take steps to prevent dementia. She encourages governments to work on health inequalities and help everyone live healthier lives.

The researchers have suggested a detailed list of actions that countries can take. These include making hearing aids more available for people with hearing loss, ensuring everyone gets a good education, helping people quit smoking, promoting physical activity, and managing high blood pressure and cholesterol from middle age. Other ideas include addressing obesity early, cutting down on alcohol, fighting social isolation, checking for vision problems, and reducing exposure to air pollution.

Personal stories, like that of Andy Watts, show the emotional impact of dementia. After seeing his father suffer from Alzheimer’s, Watts is inspired to live a healthier life to lower his own risk. He understands the importance of diet and exercise, especially since his family has a history of dementia and high cholesterol. This personal commitment aligns with the report’s findings that certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the chances of developing dementia. However, some experts remind us to be careful about how we link lifestyle choices to dementia, as many risk factors are not in our control.

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:

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Write two statements related to the article (e.g., “Poor eyesight can lead to dementia” and “Lifestyle changes can prevent dementia”). Students will walk around the class and ask their classmates to choose which statement they agree with more. Afterward, students will share their findings in small groups.

– CHARADES
Instructions: Create a list of vocabulary words or phrases from the article (e.g., dementia, cholesterol, healthy lifestyle). Students will take turns acting out the words without speaking while the rest of the class guesses the word.

– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: Students will work in pairs to read the article and come up with a catchy headline that summarizes the main points. After they create their headlines, they will share them with the class and explain their choices.

– MIND MAP
Instructions: In small groups, students will create a mind map based on the article. They will write “Dementia Risk Factors” in the center and branch out with different risk factors mentioned in the article (like poor eyesight, high cholesterol) and potential solutions.

– FUTURE PREDICTIONS
Instructions: Students will discuss in pairs what they think the world will look like in 2050 in terms of dementia cases, based on the article’s information. After their discussions, they will share their predictions with the class, explaining the reasoning behind their ideas.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What two new factors have been found to increase the risk of dementia according to the report?

2. How could tackling poor eyesight and high cholesterol affect the number of dementia cases worldwide?

3. Which groups of people would benefit the most from reducing the risks of dementia?

4. What does dementia often manifest as, and what are some diseases that can cause it?

5. According to Professor Gill Livingston, what is the significance of taking steps to prevent dementia at any age?

6. Can you name at least three actions that researchers suggest countries can take to help prevent dementia?

7. How did Andy Watts’ personal experience with his father influence his approach to his own health?

8. What caution do some experts give regarding the relationship between lifestyle choices and dementia risk?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

A recent (1)______ (2)______ has found two new (3)______ that can increase the risk of dementia: poor (4)______ and high cholesterol. The Lancet Commission says that if we tackle these health problems, we could possibly prevent almost half of all dementia cases around the world. The report points out that middle-aged people and those living in poorer countries would benefit the most from reducing these risks. As more people age, the number of individuals with dementia is expected to rise significantly, possibly reaching over 153 million by 2050.

Dementia often shows up as confusion and memory loss, and it is mainly (5)______ by diseases like Alzheimer’s that harm (6)______ cells. While genetics can (7)______ a person’s risk for dementia, experts believe that about 45% of this risk can be changed. Professor Gill Livingston from University College London, who led the study, stresses that it’s never too early or too late to take steps to prevent dementia. She encourages governments to work on health inequalities and help everyone live healthier (8)______.

The researchers have suggested a detailed list of actions that countries can take. These (9)______ making hearing aids more available for people with hearing loss, (10)______ everyone gets a good education, helping people quit smoking, promoting physical activity, and managing high blood pressure and cholesterol from middle age. Other ideas include addressing obesity early, (11)______ down on alcohol, fighting social isolation, checking for vision problems, and reducing (12)______ to air pollution.

Personal stories, like that of Andy Watts, show the emotional impact of dementia. After seeing his father suffer from Alzheimer’s, Watts is inspired to live a healthier life to (13)______ his own risk. He understands the importance of diet and exercise, especially since his family has a (14)______ of dementia and high cholesterol. This personal commitment aligns with the report’s findings that certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the chances of developing dementia. However, some (15)______ remind us to be careful about how we link lifestyle choices to dementia, as many risk (16)______ are not in our control.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

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

1. What is your opinion on the importance of eyesight and cholesterol in relation to health?
2. How would you feel if you or a loved one were diagnosed with dementia?
3. Do you think it is possible to prevent diseases like dementia? Why or why not?
4. What is a healthy lifestyle to you, and how do you think it can affect brain health?
5. Have you or someone you know made lifestyle changes to improve health? What were they?
6. How would you feel if the government took more action to promote healthy living?
7. Do you think schools should teach students about health risks like dementia? Why or why not?
8. What is your experience with hearing aids or vision tests? Do you think they should be more accessible?
9. How important do you think physical activity is for mental health? Why?
10. Do you like the idea of community programs that help people stay active and social? Why or why not?
11. What is your opinion on the role of diet in preventing diseases like dementia?
12. How would you feel if you had to give up something you enjoy, like junk food or alcohol, to stay healthy?
13. Do you think social isolation can seriously affect mental health? Why or why not?
14. What is a personal commitment you have made to improve your health?
15. How do you think personal stories, like Andy Watts’, can inspire others to take care of their health?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. dementia
2. cholesterol
3. commission
4. tackle
5. inequalities
6. exposure
7. isolation
8. genetics
9. obesity
10. pollution
11. emotional
12. inspired
13. commitment
14. lifestyle
15. factors

Meanings:
(A) Motivated by someone or something to do something positive
(B) A group of people given a specific task or responsibility
(C) A promise or firm decision to do something
(D) The way a person lives, including habits and behaviors
(E) Related to feelings or emotions
(F) A substance in the blood that can cause heart problems if levels are too high
(G) Harmful substances in the air, water, or soil
(H) Being alone or separated from others
(I) To deal with or try to solve a problem
(J) A condition that affects the brain, causing memory loss and confusion
(K) Things that contribute to a result or situation
(L) Differences in opportunities or treatment between people
(M) Having too much body fat, which can lead to health problems
(N) Coming into contact with something, often harmful
(O) The study of heredity and how traits are passed down from parents
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What two new factors have been found to increase the risk of dementia?
(a) Lack of exercise and smoking
(b) Stress and poor diet
(c) Poor eyesight and high cholesterol
(d) Genetics and aging

2. According to the report, who would benefit the most from reducing dementia risk factors?
(a) Young adults and wealthy individuals
(b) Elderly people and children
(c) Only those with a family history of dementia
(d) Middle-aged people and those in poorer countries

3. What is expected to happen to the number of individuals with dementia by 2050?
(a) It could rise to over 153 million
(b) It will decrease significantly
(c) It will remain the same
(d) It will only affect a small portion of the population

4. What is one of the main causes of dementia mentioned in the article?
(a) Poor nutrition
(b) Lack of sleep
(c) Excessive screen time
(d) Diseases like Alzheimer’s

5. What does Professor Gill Livingston emphasize regarding dementia prevention?
(a) Only young people can prevent dementia
(b) It’s never too early or too late to take steps
(c) Genetics is the only factor that matters
(d) Prevention is not possible

6. Which action is suggested to help reduce dementia risk?
(a) Increasing junk food consumption
(b) Making hearing aids more available
(c) Promoting isolation
(d) Discouraging physical activity

7. What personal story is mentioned to illustrate the impact of dementia?
(a) A young athlete’s success in sports
(b) A teacher’s experience with students
(c) Andy Watts and his father’s struggle with Alzheimer’s
(d) A scientist’s research on genetics

8. What lifestyle changes are highlighted in the report as beneficial for reducing dementia risk?
(a) Diet and exercise
(b) Increased screen time
(c) Skipping meals
(d) Ignoring health issues

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The number of people with dementia is projected to rise significantly, potentially exceeding 153 million by 2050.
2. The report suggests various actions, such as discouraging physical activity and managing cholesterol, to help prevent dementia.
3. The Lancet Commission believes that addressing these health issues could prevent nearly half of all dementia cases globally.
4. About 45% of the risk factors for dementia are believed to be unchangeable, according to experts.
5. Elderly individuals and those in wealthier countries are expected to benefit the most from increasing these risks.
6. Dementia is often characterized by clarity and memory retention and is primarily caused by diseases like Parkinson’s.
7. A recent report found that poor eyesight and high cholesterol can increase the risk of dementia.
8. Personal stories, like that of Andy Watts, highlight the emotional impact of dementia and the importance of lifestyle changes in reducing risk.
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 factors that can increase the risk of dementia according to the report?
2. Why is it important for middle-aged people and those in poorer countries to address these health risks?
3. What are some actions that countries can take to help prevent dementia?
4. How did Andy Watts’ personal experience with his father influence his lifestyle choices?
5. Why do some experts caution against linking lifestyle choices too closely to dementia?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What two new factors have been found to increase the risk of dementia according to the report?
Poor eyesight and high cholesterol.

2. How could tackling poor eyesight and high cholesterol affect the number of dementia cases worldwide?
It could possibly prevent almost half of all dementia cases around the world.

3. Which groups of people would benefit the most from reducing the risks of dementia?
Middle-aged people and those living in poorer countries.

4. What does dementia often manifest as, and what are some diseases that can cause it?
Dementia often shows up as confusion and memory loss, and it is mainly caused by diseases like Alzheimer’s that harm brain cells.

5. According to Professor Gill Livingston, what is the significance of taking steps to prevent dementia at any age?
She believes it’s never too early or too late to take steps to prevent dementia.

6. Can you name at least three actions that researchers suggest countries can take to help prevent dementia?
Making hearing aids more available, ensuring everyone gets a good education, and promoting physical activity.

7. How did Andy Watts’ personal experience with his father influence his approach to his own health?
After seeing his father suffer from Alzheimer’s, he is inspired to live a healthier life to lower his own risk.

8. What caution do some experts give regarding the relationship between lifestyle choices and dementia risk?
Some experts remind us to be careful about how we link lifestyle choices to dementia, as many risk factors are not in our control.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) important
(2) report
(3) things
(4) eyesight
(5) caused
(6) brain
(7) increase
(8) lives
(9) include
(10) ensuring
(11) cutting
(12) exposure
(13) lower
(14) history
(15) experts
(16) factors
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. dementia
Answer: (J) A condition that affects the brain, causing memory loss and confusion

2. cholesterol
Answer: (F) A substance in the blood that can cause heart problems if levels are too high

3. commission
Answer: (B) A group of people given a specific task or responsibility

4. tackle
Answer: (I) To deal with or try to solve a problem

5. inequalities
Answer: (L) Differences in opportunities or treatment between people

6. exposure
Answer: (N) Coming into contact with something, often harmful

7. isolation
Answer: (H) Being alone or separated from others

8. genetics
Answer: (O) The study of heredity and how traits are passed down from parents

9. obesity
Answer: (M) Having too much body fat, which can lead to health problems

10. pollution
Answer: (G) Harmful substances in the air, water, or soil

11. emotional
Answer: (E) Related to feelings or emotions

12. inspired
Answer: (A) Motivated by someone or something to do something positive

13. commitment
Answer: (C) A promise or firm decision to do something

14. lifestyle
Answer: (D) The way a person lives, including habits and behaviors

15. factors
Answer: (K) Things that contribute to a result or situation
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What two new factors have been found to increase the risk of dementia?
Answer: (c) Poor eyesight and high cholesterol

2. According to the report, who would benefit the most from reducing dementia risk factors?
Answer: (d) Middle-aged people and those in poorer countries

3. What is expected to happen to the number of individuals with dementia by 2050?
Answer: (a) It could rise to over 153 million

4. What is one of the main causes of dementia mentioned in the article?
Answer: (d) Diseases like Alzheimer’s

5. What does Professor Gill Livingston emphasize regarding dementia prevention?
Answer: (b) It’s never too early or too late to take steps

6. Which action is suggested to help reduce dementia risk?
Answer: (b) Making hearing aids more available

7. What personal story is mentioned to illustrate the impact of dementia?
Answer: (c) Andy Watts and his father’s struggle with Alzheimer’s

8. What lifestyle changes are highlighted in the report as beneficial for reducing dementia risk?
Answer: (a) Diet and exercise
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The number of people with dementia is projected to rise significantly, potentially exceeding 153 million by 2050. (Answer: True)
2. The report suggests various actions, such as discouraging physical activity and managing cholesterol, to help prevent dementia. (Answer: False)
3. The Lancet Commission believes that addressing these health issues could prevent nearly half of all dementia cases globally. (Answer: True)
4. About 45% of the risk factors for dementia are believed to be unchangeable, according to experts. (Answer: False)
5. Elderly individuals and those in wealthier countries are expected to benefit the most from increasing these risks. (Answer: False)
6. Dementia is often characterized by clarity and memory retention and is primarily caused by diseases like Parkinson’s. (Answer: False)
7. A recent report found that poor eyesight and high cholesterol can increase the risk of dementia. (Answer: True)
8. Personal stories, like that of Andy Watts, highlight the emotional impact of dementia and the importance of lifestyle changes in reducing risk. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧