Bridge: Wanganui Bridge Club raises funds for Alzheimers Whanganui

A recent convert to the game of bridge was on hand to accept the fruits of the local club's latest fundraiser.

The $660 from the Wanganui Bridge Club's third fundraiser for the organisation was presented to Alzheimers Whanganui president Margaret Campion, who has recently been taking bridge lessons.

Club president Graham Wood said it was a worthy cause.

"We think this is a very appropriate event given many of our members are in an older age bracket and given that the game of bridge can be a very useful brain exercise that might just help ward off the onslaught of this disease," he said.

Dementia is one of New Zealand's most significant and growing healthcare challenges, affecting almost 70,000, a number which is expected to almost treble by 2050.

The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer's disease which affects around two thirds of people with dementia.

The symptoms vary depending on the person and on the parts of the brain that are affected, with the most common symptoms including changes in memory, thinking, behaviour, personality and emotions.

Wanganui Bridge Club donated all entry fees and bar takings to raise the funds while the Jane Winstone Retirement Village also contributed to the event.

"Alzheimers Whanganui committee members supplied a delicious afternoon tea for the players and a great time was had by all," Wood said.