Athens Bridge Club Joins Nationwide Event To Trump Alzheimer's

ATHENS, Ga. (June 2, 2015) – Fred’s Bridge Club will join hundreds of bridge clubs across the country to raise money by playing in a daylong bridge game, allowing players to honor friends and loved ones affected by the disease while also keeping their own mental skills sharp.

For the third consecutive year, the American Contract Bridge League, the sanctioning body for the game of bridge, is teaming up with the Alzheimer’s Association to raise money for Alzheimer’s research in one of the group’s signature fundraising events – The Longest Day.

Held on the summer solstice – June 21, The Longest Day symbolizes the challenging journey of those living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. The cause is personal for team captain Joe Sinkey, who lost a loved one to Alzheimer’s. The team has set a goal to raise $1,250 for the cause.

With an average age of 69, ACBL’s members – most of whom play regularly at local bridge clubs – are significantly affected by Alzheimer’s disease. The Longest Day is an opportunity for bridge players to join the fight against the disease while receiving the mental and social healthy aging benefits the game of bridge offers.

“Studies have shown strong links between cognitive training and social activity – two of bridge’s chief benefits – and improved brain health,” said Robert Hartman, CEO of the ACBL. “The game alone challenges and stimulates mental acuity, but there’s also a strong social aspect that can aid with successful aging.”

A 2014 study by the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center found that, by playing card and board games, such as bridge, older people can better retain their mental sharpness.

“In our study, we found that individuals who participated more frequently in activities such as card games, checkers and crossword puzzles have increased brain volume in areas that support memory and affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Ozioma Okonkwo, assistant professor of medicine in the University of Wisconsin–Madison and co-leader of the Neuropsychology Service at the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.

In the past two years, more than 160 bridge clubs have raised more than $1 million for the Alzheimer’s Association, providing much needed funds for the care, support and research efforts it leads. This year, the ACBL is setting its sights on raising more than $600,000, and it plans to increase that amount incrementally each year as more bridge clubs participate in the effort.

“Support from our partners like ACBL helps the Alzheimer’s Association spread awareness of the disease while providing the much needed resources to further our mission,” said Donna McCullough, vice president of mass market development for the Alzheimer’s Association. “Bridge players are great ambassadors for our cause as many have a personal connection to the disease.”

About the ACBL
Founded in 1937, the ACBL is the largest bridge organization in the world, serving 167,000 members, and 3,200 bridge clubs and sanctioning 1,100 sectional and regional tournaments annually. The ACBL’s three North American Bridge Championships each attract up to 5,000 players representing every state in the United States, Canada and about 20 other foreign countries. A challenging and rewarding card game, bridge attracts players of all ages and walks of life – from Bill Gates and Warren Buffett to poker star Phil Gordon. For more information about the ACBL, visit www.acbl.org.

About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org or call (800) 272-3900.

Media Contact:
Darbi Padbury
American Contract Bridge League
(901) 487-0504
Darbi.Padbury@acbl.org