-This means readers have to figure out the referent.

>Using anaphoric elements means readers have to figure out the referent.

-Doing that means more processes for the reader to manage.

>Having to figure out the referent means more mental processes for the reader to manage.

-These aren't impossible to accomplish, but they can be a distraction.

>The additional mental processes aren't impossible to accomplish, but they can be a distraction.