Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- onset /ON-set/
- mutation /myoo-TEY-shuhn/
- transition /tran-ZISH-uhn/
- halt /hawlt/
- coincide /koh-in-SAHYD/
[noun] – the beginning or start of something
Doctors closely monitored the onset of flu symptoms in the school community.
[noun] – a change in the genetic structure that can be passed to future generations
Genetic mutations in certain crops have improved their resistance to pests.
[verb] – to move from one state, stage, or place to another
The company transitioned from in-person meetings to virtual conferences during the pandemic.
[verb] – to stop or pause something
Construction workers had to halt their progress due to heavy rain.
[verb] – to happen at the same time as something else
The festival will coincide with the town’s annual parade this year.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
An experimental treatment has demonstrated the potential to delay Alzheimer’s symptoms in individuals genetically predisposed to developing the disease in their 40s or 50s. According to recent findings published in The Lancet Neurology, long-term use of amyloid-removing drugs has shown positive results. Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis carried out a study that observed 22 participants who had undergone the treatment for an average period of eight years. Data revealed that this extended amyloid removal reduced the risk of symptom onset by half. The research targets families with rare gene mutations that nearly guarantee Alzheimer’s development, providing valuable insights into the treatment’s effectiveness. Participants have now transitioned from the initial experimental drug to Leqembi, a U.S.-approved IV treatment, to assess its long-term impact.
Funding challenges have emerged as a significant concern for the continuation of this research. The study’s lead investigator, Dr. Randall Bateman, stated that funding delays from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) threaten to halt the project. These delays coincide with political uncertainties following the nomination of Dr. Jay Bhattacharya as NIH director. Bhattacharya previously suggested that Alzheimer’s research should explore broader scientific approaches rather than focusing heavily on amyloid-related treatments. Despite the debate, researchers emphasize that amyloid buildup remains a key factor in Alzheimer’s progression. Ongoing studies now include investigations into tau proteins, inflammation, and immune responses in the brain. Without stable funding, scientists warn that vital opportunities to delay or prevent Alzheimer’s symptoms may be lost.
Funding challenges have emerged as a significant concern for the continuation of this research. The study’s lead investigator, Dr. Randall Bateman, stated that funding delays from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) threaten to halt the project. These delays coincide with political uncertainties following the nomination of Dr. Jay Bhattacharya as NIH director. Bhattacharya previously suggested that Alzheimer’s research should explore broader scientific approaches rather than focusing heavily on amyloid-related treatments. Despite the debate, researchers emphasize that amyloid buildup remains a key factor in Alzheimer’s progression. Ongoing studies now include investigations into tau proteins, inflammation, and immune responses in the brain. Without stable funding, scientists warn that vital opportunities to delay or prevent Alzheimer’s symptoms may be lost.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you or someone you know ever participated in a medical study or experiment? If so, what was the experience like? If not, would you consider joining one? Why or why not?
- Have you ever heard about Alzheimer’s disease before? If so, what did you learn about it? If not, what questions do you have about the disease?
- Do you agree that funding delays for medical research can be dangerous?
- What are some possible risks of relying on experimental treatments for serious diseases like Alzheimer’s?
- How might early detection of Alzheimer’s symptoms change the way people plan for their future?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- finding
- treatment
- symptom
- participant
- long-term