This week Australian bridge players will be using their brains to raise much-needed funds for Alzheimer’s and dementia research.

Recent research has shown that exercising the brain and keeping an active mind can reduce the chance of developing dementia.

“Exercising the brain is a great way to reduce the chances of developing Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia”, says Prof John Hodges, an Alzheimer’s researcher at Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA).

Funds raised by bridge clubs will support NeuRA researchers working on improving early diagnosis of dementia and developing treatments to prevent the disease altogether.

“There is currently no cure for dementia; every dollar raised for research increases our understanding of this disease and its treatment and prevention”, says Prof Hodges.

The Bridge for Brain Research Challenge, is a national event in support of research at NeuRA, one of the nation’s leading medical research institutes.

At the same time, the card sharks will be helping prevent dementia by keeping their own brains fit!