Centuries old game helps families struggling with Alzheimer's

DENVER - James Creasey knew when his father was diagnosed with dementia a few years ago their time together would never be the same.

It wasn't until recently Creasey came across a game, of all things, that's allowed him and his father reconnect in their own backyard.

"I just love this game," Creasey said of croquet.

Creasey is from England, but didn't start playing the centuries old game of croquet until three years ago at Washington Park in Denver.

"I just stumbled into this, I had no idea what the outcome would be," he said.

Creasey says croquet has allowed him and his entire family to interact with their father and grandfather in a whole new way since he's no longer able to speak.

"If you walk through the front door he'll grab you by the shirt and he'll tug you out to the backyard and he'll have a game of croquet," Creasey said.

It's meant so much to him that he thought he would share the game with other families who are struggling with memory loss.

A week ago, Creasey invited members of the Alzheimer Association and their caregivers to learn how to play croquet on the lawn at Washington Park.

"Croquet is simple enough and it plays at a slow enough pace that it's easy to get into, and I think that's why these folks here are enjoying themselves as much as the are," Creasey said.

The game is somewhat of a cross between pool and chess, Creasey explains. He says you don't have be an expert to play, what's most important is getting outdoors, taking your time, and enjoying who you're with.

"It's not really that physical, but it's enough physical that you get your blood going, but you also have to think where you're going to go next," said Karen Lesh, who came with her husband Curtis.

"There's also socialization so it' helps with that mind, body coordination piece," added Vickie Mohr, Early Stage, Alzheimer Association.

Creasey has met with the Alzheimer's Association members for the past two weeks now, volunteering his time, teaching the game, and playing with Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers.

Creasey hopes to continue reaching out to those dealing with memory loss. The Washington Park Croquet clubs meets every Monday at 6 p.m. Anyone is welcome to come.

The Alzheimer Association is a voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support, and research.

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's disease:
- Memory loss
- Challenges with planning/solving problems
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks (recipes, shopping)
- Confusion with time and place
- Trouble with visual images/spatial relationships
- New problems with speaking or writing
- Misplacing things in unusual locations
- Poor judgment (writing large checks)
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Changes in personality

For help 24 hours a day, seven days a week call the Alzheimer's Association of Colorado 800-272-3900 or go online at alz.org/co.

Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk
Denver City Park
Saturday, Sept. 19
Registration at 8 a.m.
5k Walk at 9 a.m.