As if you needed another excuse to play poker, new research shows that poker is good for your brain. Dr. Jeffrey Cummings, a leading researcher in the field of Alzheimer’s disease, has recently released new research showing that playing poker is a great way to drastically decrease your chances of developing Alzheimer’s and other brain-related diseases, typically associated with old age, by 50% or even more.

Dr. Cummings references a French study from 2009 in his research. In the French study, 5,000 elderly individuals played various games that stimulate mental activity. Poker was one of the games in the study and it proved itself to be one of the most effective when it comes to combating Alzheimer’s disease.

Cummings explained this phenomenon, saying, “We have a social idea of what retirement consists of and we need to re-examine that idea. The logical extension of the data we have on dementia is that a person who is still capable of working – who is mentally stimulated with a strong sense of purpose – is better off from the cognitive point of view continuing to engage in that position.” If we continue to be mentally stimulated during retirement we can stay alert, use our brains, and avoid dementia and other diseases of the brain.

Need proof? Look at Doyle Brunson. He’s 77 years old and still playing at the top of his game against poker players from all age ranges and walks of life. Whether you are playing free poker or real money poker, keep up the gaming and keep your brain in tiptop shape.