Section I Use of English 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 where we put the keys just a moment ago, or an old acquaintance's name,or the name of an old band we used to love.

As the brain fades,we refer to these occurrences as "senior moments."While seemingly innocent, this loss of mental focus can potentially have a damaging impact on our professional,social,and personal wellbeing.

Neuroscientists,experts who study the nervous system, are increasingly showing that there's actually a lot that can be done.

It turns out that the brain needs exercise in much 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 connections in the brain.

To a certain extent, our ability to excel in making the connections that drive intelligence is inherited.

However,because these connections are made through effort and practice, scientists believe that intelligence can expand and fluctuate according to mental effort.

Now, a new Web-based company has taken it a step further and developed the first "brain training program" designed to actually help people improve and regain their mental sharpness.

The Web-based program allows you to systematically improve your memory and attention skills.