A decade-long study suggests that combining multiple healthy lifestyle choices — the more the better — ___1___ (be) linked with reducing the speed of memory decline as people age.

Researchers analysed 29, 000 adults aged over 60 with normal cognitive (认知的) function ___2___ were part of the China Cognition and Aging Study. At the start of the study in 2009, memory function was measured ___3___ (use) tests and people were checked for the APOE gene,    which is the ___4___ (strong) risk-factor gene for Alzheimer’s disease. The subjects were then monitored for 10 years with regular ___5___ (assess). A healthy lifestyle score combining six factors ___6___ (calculate): a healthy diet, regular exercise, active social contact, cognitive activity, non-smoking, and not drinking alcohol. 

Findings showed that a healthy diet had the strongest effect ___7___ slowing memory decline, ___8___ (follow) by cognitive activity and then physical exercise. People with the APOE gene who had healthy lives on the whole also experienced a ___9___ (slow) rate of memory decline than those with APOE who were the least healthy.

Dr Susan Mitchell said: “This is a well-conducted study, which followed people over a long period of time, and adds to the great evidence ___10___ a healthy lifestyle can help to support memory and thinking skills as we age. ”

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