国外媒体:较高的语言技能有助于减少老年性痴呆症的发生（在线收听）

Researchers followed a small group of Catholic nuns, testing them for any signs of memoryproblems. After their death, their brains were examined for the hallmarks of Alzheimer’sdisease. However, some with signs of Alzheimer’s in their brains had not shown any signs ofmemory difficulties. The researchers next analyzed essays that many of the participants hadwritten when they were around 20 years old. They found that the language was far morecomplex in the group of women without memory problems. The researchers conclude thatsuperior language skills early in life may predict the brain’s ability to cope with early stagesof Alzheimer’s disease decades later, due to differences in mental reserves.

Hallmark: a feature or quality that is typical of sb/sth 特征，特点

Police said the explosion bore all the hallmarks of a terrorist attack.

警方称这次爆炸具有恐怖分子袭击的所有特征。

Superior: 较好的,优秀的,上等的

This handbag is made of superior leather. 

这只手提包由上等皮革制成。

Cope with: 对付，应对，克服

Our ancestors have to cope with cold, hunger as well as attack from wild animal.

我们的祖先必须应付寒冷，饥饿以及野兽的袭击。