Wife of Former Mizzou Head Coach Warren Powers Leads Local Effort To Raise Money for Alzheimer's Research

ST. LOUIS (June 2, 2015) – The St. Louis Bridge Center has already raised more than $10,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association as a part of the American Contract Bridge League’s national fundraiser, The Longest Day, held on June 21.

The Longest Day symbolizes the challenging journey of those living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers, a cause that’s especially important to team captain and bridge teacher Linda Powers, whose husband, Warren Powers, former University of Missouri head football coach (’78–’84) and American Football League player, was diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer’s disease five years ago.

“It was time to start talking about Alzheimer’s,” said Linda Powers. “The fight against Alzheimer’s doesn’t get the support that many other diseases do, so I wanted to raise awareness.”

The St. Louis Bridge Center, which has about 700 members, will host a raffle and silent auction, and all proceeds will go to the Alzheimer’s Association. The team will join hundreds of bridge clubs across the country playing in a daylong game of bridge, allowing players to honor friends and loved ones affected by the disease while also keeping their own mental skills sharp. 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.

With an average age of 69, many of the ACBL’s 167,000 members have a personal connection to Alzheimer’s from either caring for or having a friend or loved one who suffers from the disease. The Longest Day is an opportunity for bridge players to join the fight against the disease while improving their own mental and social skills.

“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 board and card 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.”

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