A leading researcher in the field of elderly care has cited the results of a French study on brain activity and Alzheimer’s disease. The study shows that elderly people who play poker at least twice a week can prevent many of the effects of dementia and other brain diseases.
Dr. Jeffrey Cummings, a scientist who specializes in studying Alzheimer’s disease, referred to a study conducted in France on five thousand senior citizens. In that study, the results showed that elderly people who conducted mentally stimulating activities, such as playing poker, at least twice a week reduced their risk of dementia by over fifty percent.
Dr. Cummings said that the results of the study showed that mental stimulation, regardless of age, is vital to brain health and the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. He also said that the traditional idea of “rest and relaxation” during retirement actually increased the likelihood of developing dementia.
“We have a social idea of what retirement consists of and we need to re-examine that idea,” Dr. Cummings said. Instead of the sedentary lifestyle that has become the “ideal” form of retirement, Dr. Cummings proposes that elderly people who are still physically and mentally able to engage in mental and physical tasks should continue to do so.
Many examples of older players that can still play at the top echelons of the game are evident around the world of poker. Doyle Brunson, a ten-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner, continues to play at the highest cash games and biggest tournaments in the world at age 77. Berry Johnston (75), TJ Cloutier (70) and Tom McEvoy (65) are also active on the poker scene.
