Question

possible points 0.5
the usual cause of nervous system deterioration is circulatory system problems. for example, arteriosclerosis (ar - tere - o - sklē - rosis; decreased elasticity of the arteries) and high blood pressure reduce the supply of (1 ) to brain neurons. a gradual decline of oxygen due to the aging process can lead to senility, characterized by forgetfulness, irritability, difficulty in concentrating and thinking clearly, and confusion. a sudden loss of blood and oxygen delivery to the ( 2 ) results in a cva (stroke), as described earlier. however, many people continue to enjoy intellectual lives and mentally demanding tasks their entire lives. in fact, fewer than 5 percent of people over age 65 demonstrate true senility.
sadly, many cases of
eversible senility,\ caused by certain drugs, low blood pressure, constipation, poor nutrition, depression, dehydration, and hormone ( 3 ), go undiagnosed. the best way to maintain your mental abilities in old age may be to seek regular medical checkups throughout life. although eventual ( 4 ) of the brain is normal, some individuals (professional boxers and chronic alcoholics, for example) hasten the process. whether a boxer wins the match or not, the likelihood of brain damage and ( 5 ) increases with every blow. the expression \punch drunk\ reflects the symptoms of slurred speech, tremors, abnormal gait, and dementia (mental illness) seen in many retired boxers

1. atrophy 2 oxygen 3 brain 4. imbalances 5. shrinking

1 brain 2. imbalances 3. shrinking 4. atrophy 5. oxygen
1 imbalances 2. shrinking 3 atrophy 4. oxygen 5. brain
1 shrinking 2. atrophy 3 oxygen 4. brain 5. imbalances
1 oxygen 2. brain 3. imbalances 4 shrinking 5 atrophy

Explanation:

• For blank 1: The text mentions "a gradual decline of oxygen" later, so "oxygen" fits as it's about what's supplied to neurons.
• For blank 2: "CVA (stroke)" is related to the brain, so "brain" is correct.
• For blank 3: "hormone imbalances" is a common medical term.
• For blank 4: "atrophy of the brain" is a known concept.
• For blank 5: "shrinking" makes sense in the context of brain - related issues.

Answer:

1 oxygen 2 brain 3 imbalances 4 atrophy 5 shrinking