一场跨11国的健康实验，结果如何？
Getting old does not have to mean getting slow. A two-year study across 11 Latin American countries at 12 sites found that structured lifestyle programs—combining exercise, healthy eating, brain training, and social support—can significantly improve memory and thinking in older adults at risk of dementia. Crucially, those who received regular coaching and structured support improved far more than those who received only general health advice.
The study, known as LatAm-FINGERS, followed more than 1,000 older adults. Researchers randomly divided participants into two groups. One group received continuous coaching, including supervised exercise, nutrition guidance based on the MIND diet, computer-based cognitive training and 38 group meetings designed to encourage social connection. The other group attended only four short meetings covering general advice on diet, activity and health.
Instead of simply translating an American model, the team adapted the program to local life. Exercise options included salsa and tango, and the diet relied on locally available foods such as avocado and quinoa. After two years, the better-supported group showed a 55 percent greater improvement in overall cognition than the other group, along with larger gains in memory, executive function and processing speed.
“A key message from this study is that structure and social support matter,” said Heather Snyder, a senior scientist with the Alzheimer’s Association.Many aspects of health and lifestyle influence dementia, so programs that address several risk factors at once may work best. “Brain health can be improved across diverse communities,” added Laura Baker, a professor at Wake Forest University, suggesting that the approach could be adapted for any population.
With dementia becoming more common around the world, the results point to the value of simple, affordable programs, especially in low-and middle-income countries. The researchers also hope to combine theselifestyle changes with new drug therapies to reduce cognitive decline. In short, small daily habits — backed by steady support — may help protect the brain for years to come.
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1.1. What can we know about those given only general advice?
A They received regular coaching.
B They made less progress.
C They outperformed the other group.
D They attended weekly meetings.
解析：选B。B 推理判断题。根据第二段两组支持力度差异（“continuous coaching … and 38 group meetings”vs“only four short meetings”）及第3段“the better-supported group showed a 55 percent greater improvement”可推知，仅得一般建议者进步较小。A项“接受定期指导”是另一组的情况，属于张冠李戴；C项“表现优于另一组”与原文相反；D项“参加每周会议”原文没有依据，他们只参加了四次短会，不是每周会议。故选B。
2.2. Why did the team include salsa and tango?
A To teach new dance skills.
B To copy the American model.
C To reduce training time.
D To adapt exercise to local culture.
解析：选D。D 细节理解题。根据第三段“Instead of simply translating an American model, the team adapted the program to local life. Exercise options included salsa and tango...”可知，研究团队没有照搬美国模式，而是让项目适应当地生活，加入萨尔萨和探戈是为了让运动方式符合当地文化。A项“教新舞蹈技能”只是表面现象，不是研究目的；B项“复制美国模式”与原文“Instead of simply translating an American model”矛盾；C项“减少训练时间”文中未提。故选D。
3.3. What can be inferred from Laura Baker’s comments?
A Lifestyle programs work best with drugs.
B The approach could work in different communities.
C Social support is less important than diet.
D Dementia cannot be affected by lifestyle.
解析：选B。B 推理判断题。第四段中Laura Baker说“Brain health can be improved across diverse communities”，并暗示“the approach could be adapted for any population”，由此可推断这种生活方式干预方法可能适用于不同社区和人群。A项把研究者“希望将生活方式改变与新药疗法结合”误当成Laura Baker的观点；C项说社交支持不如饮食重要，与全文强调“structure and social support matter”相反；D项说痴呆不能受生活方式影响，与文章主旨完全相反。故选B。
4.4. Which of the following can be the best title for the text?
A The Rising Cost of Dementia Care.
B How to Choose Healthy Foods.
C Lifestyle Changes for a Healthier Brain.
D New Drugs for Brain Diseases.
解析：选C。C 主旨大意题。全文围绕“生活方式干预改善大脑健康”展开：第一段研究结论、第二段研究设计、第三段效果数据、第四段专家观点、第五段总结“small daily habits — backed by steady support — may help protect the brain for years to come”。A项“痴呆护理成本上升”文中未提；B项“如何选择健康食物”只涉及饮食这一细节，范围过窄；D项“治疗脑部疾病的新药”只是末段提到的未来研究方向，不能概括全文主旨。故最佳标题为C。