![]() | The
Power of Thought Complex thinking linked to improved immune system function |
January 10, 2002
The immune system helps protect an organism by producing special cells
The researchers decided that the card game of contract bridge would be a
Dr. Diamond and her colleagues found that the card players' CD4 T cell
levels were significantly higher after the bridge game than the CD4 T
cell levels taken before the game. There were no changes in CD4 T cell
levels in women who sat quietly and listened to music while the card game
was being played. There were also no changes in the levels of
These data indicate that playing bridge provides a boost to the immune system by raising the level of CD4 T cell levels in the blood. It is not known how long T cell levels remain elevated. It is also unknown if these increases in T cell levels are large enough to affect a person's health. Further experiments are needed to discover how complex thought affects health. However, there is certainly no harm in playing games that require planning and memory...chess, checkers, or backgammon anyone? |
References:
|
GO TO: | Neuroscience In The News | Explore the Nervous System | Table of Contents |
![]() Send E-mail |
![]() Fill out survey |
![]() Get Newsletter |
![]() Search Pages |
![]() Take Notes |