Level A1 – BeginnerCEFR A1
2 min
74 words
- Researchers study the risk of dementia in older adults.
- They look at a gene called APOE ε4, a variant.
- They also study damage in small brain blood vessels.
- This damage appears as white matter hyperintensities on scans.
- People who have both problems have a higher dementia risk.
- Each problem adds its own part of the risk.
- Controlling blood pressure and diabetes can help prevent damage.
- Having the APOE ε4 gene does not mean dementia.
Difficult words
- researcher — person who studies topics and collects dataResearchers
- risk — chance of something bad happening
- gene — part of the body that gives traits
- variant — a different form of something
- dementia — illness that affects memory and thinking
- damage — harm or injury to a person or thing
- blood vessel — tube in the body that carries bloodblood vessels
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you check your blood pressure?
- Do you know what a gene is?
- Would you see a doctor if you had memory problems?
Related articles
6 Dec 2025
22 Feb 2024
9 Dec 2025
Keeping healthy habits during the holidays
The holiday season often disrupts regular health routines. Samantha Harden of Virginia Tech recommends realistic, small changes—like habit stacking, gamifying activities, involving others and travel tips—and a broader view of well‑being so breaks are not failure.
6 Dec 2025
24 Oct 2025
Low-cost cooling could help Bangladesh garment workers
A University of Sydney study, published in The Lancet Planetary Health on Monday (20 October), tested simple low-cost cooling in a chamber that mimicked extreme factory heat. Fans and water partly restored productivity; a reflective roof cut indoor temperature by 2.5°C.