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

“Australians are big believers in the power of use it or lose it,” the group’s executive director  Peter Schofield said.

Bridge is one of those activities that keeps the mind active, according to Professor  Schofield.

“We are encouraging all Bridge players around Australia - young, old, experienced players and novices to take part in our challenge and help us find cures for diseases and disorders of the brain,” he said.

At the same time, players are helping prevent dementia by keeping their own brains fit and active.

The Oxley Bridge Club has 12 players over the age of 80 years playing and six of them took part in Tuesday’s event.

The club, which holds a charity event every year, raised $245 through fundraising at their weekly game and an afternoon tea.

The money raised will support NeuRA researchers that are working on improving early diagnosis of dementia and developing treatments to prevent the disease altogether.

NeuRA is an independent, not-for-profit research institute based in Sydney.

As a leader in brain and nervous system research, their goal is to prevent, treat and cure brain and nervous system diseases, disorders and injuries through medical research. The Bridge for Brain Research Challenge promotes the benefits of playing bridge whilst helping raise the crucial funds required to continue their research.