Apparently playing bridge and the impact it has on the brain has been studied longer than I thought. For example, researchers are now saying that it is important to keep challenging your brain but not all activities are equal. It seems that people who spend long stretches of their days, three hours or more, engrossed with a mental activity such as with cards may be better able to reduce their risk of dementia than 30 minutes of working a puzzle.
Scientists have also learned that after the age of 90 the dementia does not taper off like so many thought. Dementia continues to increase so that if you life to 95 you may be among the 40 percent diagnosed with dementia.
The University of California, Irvine, is researching the gated retirement village of Laguna Woods in southern Orange County. They regularly run genetic tests, test resident's memories; Many of them also play bridge on a regular basis.
Playing bridge requires a good memory. It involves 4 players, paired off, and each player has to figure out his partner's strategy by following what is played. Good players remember every card dealt and their importance to their team. In the Laguna group, when one of the players starts to slip and others can't trust, they stop calling that person for games.
Surprisingly, researchers have not found much evidence linking diet or exercise for people 89 years and older. Most researchers, however, agree that social networking is critical. Bridge offers chances for outside contact and memory recall. It also offers a chance to learn new things because very few people master the game and are always going to class to learn more.
Bridge works its magic through complexity. Players much remember each other's card which builds memory skills. Players must plan ahead, strategize, and use logic, all of which challenge and stimulate the brain. Plus bridge is played in groups and again social interaction helps to decrease intellectual decline.
Do you know any groups of people at least 85 and older who play bridge? Would you have time to ask them what so they do when one of their players starts malfunction? Getting their responses wold be interesting for this group.
Until then,
much success in you life,
Ruthan Brodsky
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