Read the following text. Choose the best word(s) for each numbered blank and mark A, B, C or D on the ANSWER SHEET. (10points)
Fluid intelligence is the type of intelligence that has to do with short-term memory and the
ability to think quickly, logically, and abstractly in order to solve new problems. It _1_ in
young adulthood, levels out for a period of time, and then _2_ starts to slowly decline as we
age. But _3_ aging is inevitable, scientists are finding that certain changes in brain function
may not be.
One study found that muscle loss and the _4_ of body fat around the abdomen are
associated with a decline in fluid intelligence. This suggests the _5_ that lifestyle factors
might help prevent or _6_ this type of decline.
The researchers looked at data that _7_ measurements of lean muscle and abdominal
fat from more than 4,000middle-to-older-aged men and women and _8_ that data to
reported changes in fluid intelligence over a six-year period. They found that middle-aged people
_9_ higher measures of abdominal fat _10_ worse on measures of fluid intelligence as the
years _11_ .
For women, the association may be _12_ to changes in immunity that resulted from
excess abdominal fat; in men, the immune system did not appear to be _13_ . It is hoped that
future studies could _14_ these differences and perhaps lead to different _15_ for men
and women.
_16_ , there are steps you can _17_ to help reduce abdominal fat and maintain lean
muscle mass as you age in order to protect both your physical and mental _18_ . The two
highly recommended lifestyle approaches are maintaining or increasing your _19_ of
aerobic exercise and following a Mediterranean-style _20_ that is high in fiber and
eliminates highly processed foods.