The Bridge for Brains Research Challenge will be held at Great Lakes Bridge Club on Monday, May 7. An expected 75 to 80 Forster Tuncurry bridge players will be using their brains to raise vital funds for Alzheimer’s and dementia research. Dozens of clubs throughout the country participate in the national event, held annually to raise money in support of research at Neuroscience Research Australia, one of the nation’s leading medical research institutes.

“Bridge for Brains is part of an Australia-wide competition to draw attention to the fact that bridge is a mental challenge that keeps people active and enthusiastic,” president Jenny Maher said.

Funds raised by Great Lakes Bridge Club will support NeuRA researchers working on improving early diagnosis of dementia and developing treatments to prevent the disease altogether.

At the same time, they will also be helping prevent dementia by keeping their brains fit.

“It’s a constant learning curve and it will keep you interested for the rest of your life. Most people play two or three times a week because it hooks you,” Ms Maher said.

“It gets people out of the house. You don’t have to be particularly physically active or mobile, but it keeps you mentally alert and by coming along to a game at the club you are part of a social network immediately, one of the most important things about a community.”

The Great Lakes Bridge Club runs five days a week. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday sessions start at 1.15pm, while Tuesday and Thursday sessions run from 9am.

“We have about half a dozen players in their 90s,” the president said.

“Our players cover the whole scope from very new beginners up to the most senior players of grand master. Our more experienced players lift everyone’s game by participating in the club.”

New members and visitors are welcome. It’s helpful if single players contact the club beforehand but pairs can just come along and play.

The club conducts lessons for beginners in June. Enquiries should be directed to president Jenny Maher on 6557 2888 or by ringing Great Lakes Bridge Club on 6554 5965.