Question

Alzheimer’s disease is a major national health problem. Nearly 2 million Americans over the age of 65 have Alzheimer’s disease. It is a leading cause of death among the elderly. But Alzheimer’s disease is not confined （限于） to the aged. There may be a million or more people under the age of 65 suffering from the disease.
　　At one time, people suffering from the disease were said to be “getting old”. The disease was thought to be a natural part of growing old, but it is now known that Alzheimer’s disease strikes young and old alike. It is an organic （器官的） disease that destroys brain cells.
　　Alzheimer’s disease affects the patient’s memory, speech, and movement. In the beginning stages of the disease, the patient may seem slightly confused. He may have trouble speaking, then the patient’s memory begins to fail. He may forget dates, numbers, names and plans.
As the disease progresses, the patient may not recognize family and friends. These symptoms（症状） often cause terrible anxiety in the patient. He may feel lost and frightened. Sometimes the patient reacts with wild and bad behavior.
　　In the last stages of the disease, the patient may not be able to take care of himself. He may have lost the ability to speak and walk.
　　Scientists don’t know exactly what causes Alzheimer’s disease. It may be caused by a virus （病毒）.It may be caused by a poisonous substance（物质） in the environment. At present, there is no cure for the disease. But there are ways to slow its progress. Exercise and physical treatment can help the patients of this disease.
【小题1】The main idea of the passage is that Alzheimer’s disease ________.

A．is a terrible part of the aging process

B．is an organic disease that affects young and old

C．can be cured by physical treatment

D．causes forgetfulness

【小题2】All of the following are symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease EXCEPT________.

A．forgetfulness	B．difficulty in speaking
C．loss of sight	D．loss of the ability to walk

【小题3】According to the passage, which of the following may be a cause of Alzheimer’s disease?

A．Poisons produced by the brain.	B．Getting old.
C．A virus.	D．Lack of exercise.

【小题4】 The press of Alzheimer’s disease can be slowed by________.

A．operation	B．a change in environment
C．medicines	D．physical treatment and exercise

Answer 1

【小题1】B
【小题2】C
【小题3】C
【小题4】D

解析试题分析：
【小题1】B 细节题。根据第二段2,3行it is now known that Alzheimer’s disease strikes young and old alike. It is an organic （器官的） disease that destroys brain cells.说明B正确。
【小题2】C 细节题。根据文章3,三段He may have trouble speaking, then the patient’s memory begins to fail.说明AB是老年痴呆症的症状。根据第五段He may have lost the ability to speak and walk.说明D项是症状，而C项没有提及。
【小题3】.C 细节题。根据最后一段第二句It may be caused by a virus （病毒）什么吗C正确。
【小题4】D 细节题。根据文章最后一句Exercise and physical treatment can help the patients of this disease.说明D正确。
考点：考查科普类短文阅读
点评：文章介绍了老年痴呆症的症状病因以及写作人们对它的治疗方法。本文属于科普类短文，对于考生来说，词汇方面的困难是最大的困难。要求考生有一定的猜测词义的能力。