As many people hit middle age, they often start to notice that their

memory and mental clarity are not what they used to be. We suddenly

can’t remember that we put the keys just a moment ago, or an old 【M1】________

acquaintance’s name, or the name of an old band we used to love. As

the brain fades, we refer to these coincidences as “senior moments.” 【M2】________

While seemingly innocent, this loss of mental focus can potentially have

damaging impact on our professional, social, and personal well-being. 【M3】________

Neuroscientists are increasingly showing that there’s actually a lot

that can be done. This turns out that the brain needs exercise in much 【M4】________

the same way our muscles do, and the right mental workouts can

significantly improve our basic cognitive functions. Thinking is

essentially a process of making neural connections in the brain. To a

certain extent, our ability to excel in making the neural connections that

drives intelligence is inherited. However, because these connections are 【M5】________

made through effort and practice, scientists believe that intelligence can

expand and fluctuate as to mental effort. 【M6】________

Now. a new San Francisco web-based company has taken a farther 【M7】_________

step and developed the first “brain training program” design to actually 【M8】_________

help people improve and regain their mental sharpness.

The web-based program allows you to systematically improve your

memory and attention skills. The program keeps track of your progress

and provides detailed feedback for your performance and improvement. 【M9】_________

Most importantly, it constantly modifies and enhances the games you

play to build on the strengths you are developing—much like an effective

exercise routine requires you to increase resistant and vary your 【M10】________

muscle use.

【M8】