Dementia – Alzheimer’s Disease Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Alzheimer’s disease is a physical disease of the brain that causes progressive damage to brain cells and leads to dementia. It is the most common form of dementia in the United States, accounting for about two‑thirds of all dementia cases.

In Grand Rapids, Michigan, many families turn to local healthcare systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health for diagnosis, treatment, and support for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Alzheimer’s affects:

  • Memory
  • Thinking and problem‑solving skills
  • Emotions and behavior
  • Mood and personality

Over time, these changes interfere with a person’s ability to manage daily activities, from driving and working to cooking, bathing, and managing medications.

How Alzheimer’s Disease Progresses

Early, Subtle Changes

Alzheimer’s disease usually starts slowly. In the early stages, symptoms can be very subtle and easy to dismiss as “just getting older” or stress. In a busy city like Grand Rapids—where many older adults remain active, work part‑time, or help with grandchildren—these early signs can be missed.

Common early symptoms include:

  • Persistent and frequent memory loss, especially of recent events
  • Vagueness or confusion in everyday conversation
  • Taking longer to plan, organize, or solve problems
  • Difficulty finding the right words or following conversations
  • Losing interest in hobbies or social activities once enjoyed
  • Becoming more apathetic or less “sparkly” in personality
  • Slower to grasp new or complex ideas
  • Increased irritability or frustration when tasks are difficult
  • Difficulty managing finances, bills, or appointments

These symptoms may fluctuate from day to day, or even within the same day, and can worsen during times of stress, illness, fatigue, or during Michigan’s long, dark winter months when mood and energy are often lower.

Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease

As Alzheimer’s progresses to the moderate stage, symptoms become more obvious and disabling. At this point, most people can no longer live independently and require daily support from family, friends, or professional caregivers.

In the moderate stage, a person may:

  • Be confused about time and place
  • Become lost more easily, even in familiar neighborhoods in Grand Rapids
  • Forget names of family or friends, or confuse one person with another
  • Forget pots on the stove, leave appliances on, or leave doors unlocked
  • Struggle with simple calculations (balancing a checkbook, making change)
  • Show poor judgment and make unsafe decisions (e.g., going outside in winter without a coat)
  • Wander, sometimes at night, and become lost
  • Behave inappropriately (e.g., going outdoors in nightwear)
  • See or hear things that are not there, or become suspicious of others
  • Become very repetitive in speech or behavior
  • Neglect personal hygiene or eating
  • Be unable to choose appropriate clothing for the weather or occasion

Severe Alzheimer’s Disease

In the severe stage, Alzheimer’s disease causes profound disability. People typically need continuous care and help with all daily activities.

A person with severe Alzheimer’s may:

  • Be unable to recall important events or facts from earlier life
  • Have confused recognition of friends and family
  • Fail to recognize everyday objects or how to use them
  • Lose the ability to understand or use speech
  • Need help with eating, washing, bathing, brushing teeth, toileting, and dressing
  • Become incontinent (bladder and/or bowel)
  • Be restless, fidgety, or call out frequently
  • Be awake or distressed at night
  • Become aggressive or very agitated
  • Have difficulty walking; develop stiffness (rigidity) and other movement problems

Some abilities may remain, even in late stages—such as sense of touch, hearing, and emotional response. Many families in West Michigan report that music, familiar voices, and gentle touch still bring comfort, even when speech is limited.

Ultimately, Alzheimer’s disease is a terminal illness. Immobility becomes permanent, and in the final stages, the person is usually bedridden and unable to sit up independently.

What Happens in the Brain with Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by specific changes in the brain:

  • Amyloid plaques: Abnormal clumps of a protein called beta‑amyloid that form outside brain cells
  • Neurofibrillary tangles: Twisted strands of a protein called tau that build up inside brain cells

These protein buildups:

  • Damage the connections (synapses) between brain cells
  • Disrupt the way messages are sent within the brain
  • Lead to brain cell death and shrinkage (brain atrophy)

These changes begin many years—often 10–15 years—before noticeable symptoms. The brain can compensate for early damage, but eventually the damage becomes too great and thinking, memory, and behavior are affected.

Types of Alzheimer’s Disease

Sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease

  • The most common type (over 90% of cases)
  • Usually occurs after age 65
  • Cause is not fully known
  • Likely due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and health factors

Having a close family member with Alzheimer’s slightly increases risk, but most cases are not directly inherited.

One gene, Apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4), can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, but:

  • Having ApoE4 does not mean you will definitely develop Alzheimer’s
  • Some people with ApoE4 never develop the disease

Familial (Inherited) Alzheimer’s Disease

  • Accounts for less than 5% of cases
  • Caused by specific gene changes (mutations) in:
    • Presenilin 1 (PSEN1)
    • Presenilin 2 (PSEN2)
    • Amyloid precursor protein (APP)
  • These changes lead to increased production of beta‑amyloid protein
  • Symptoms usually appear earlier, often between ages 40 and 60

Genetic testing can identify these mutations and can:

  • Confirm familial Alzheimer’s disease in an affected person
  • Show whether a child has inherited the mutation and is almost certain to develop the disease in the future

However, genetic testing cannot predict exactly when symptoms will begin. The age of onset is often similar to that of the affected parent. Genetic counseling is strongly recommended before and after testing; in Grand Rapids, this is available through major health systems like Corewell Health and Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease

People with Down syndrome have a third copy of chromosome 21. The APP gene, which leads to the production of beta‑amyloid, is located on chromosome 21. This means:

  • People with Down syndrome produce more APP and more beta‑amyloid
  • They are more likely to develop the brain changes of Alzheimer’s disease at an earlier age

As a result, adults with Down syndrome have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, often in middle age. In West Michigan, specialized developmental and neurology services can help families plan for long‑term care and support.

Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease

Understanding risk factors can help you and your healthcare team in Grand Rapids consider strategies to reduce your risk or delay onset.

Non‑Modifiable (Cannot Be Changed)

Age

  • Risk increases with age
  • Estimated rates:
    • About 1 in 30 Americans aged 70–74
    • About 1 in 8 aged 80–84
    • About 1 in 3 aged 90–94

With Grand Rapids’ aging population and many retirees in West Michigan, this is a growing public health concern.

Genetics

  • Familial Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome have clear genetic links
  • ApoE4 and other susceptibility genes increase risk of sporadic Alzheimer’s

Brain‑Related Risk Factors (Can Be Influenced)

  • Mental activity:
    • Regularly challenging your brain through education, hobbies, or mentally demanding work
    • Activities like reading, puzzles, learning new skills, or taking classes at Grand Rapids Community College or local senior centers
  • Social engagement:
    • Staying socially active and connected with friends, family, and community
    • Joining local clubs, faith communities, volunteer groups, or programs through Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation
    • Social isolation—more common in long winters or after a spouse dies—can increase risk of cognitive decline

Body‑Related Risk Factors (Can Be Influenced)

  • Physical activity:
    • Regular exercise is associated with better brain function and reduced risk of cognitive decline
    • Walking along the Grand River, using indoor walking tracks in winter, or joining local fitness programs can help
  • Alcohol use:
    • Heavy or long‑term alcohol use can damage the brain and increase dementia risk
  • Diet:
    • Evidence suggests a heart‑healthy, Mediterranean‑style diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, healthy fats) supports brain health
    • In Michigan, focus on limiting processed foods and added sugars, and making healthy choices even during comfort‑food heavy winter months

Heart and Vascular Risk Factors (Can Be Influenced)

Conditions that damage blood vessels also increase Alzheimer’s and dementia risk:

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Smoking (including a history of passive smoking)

These conditions are common in Michigan and are often managed through primary care and specialty clinics in Grand Rapids. Managing “heart health” is also protecting “brain health.”

Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease in Grand Rapids

Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. Early assessment is critical to:

  • Rule out other conditions that can mimic dementia (e.g., depression, thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, brain tumors, some infections, or medication side effects)
  • Begin treatment and support as early as possible

In Grand Rapids, evaluation is typically done through your primary care provider or a neurologist at systems like Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health.

Common Diagnostic Steps

A complete medical assessment may include:

  • Medical history:
    • Symptoms, timing, family history, medications, lifestyle
  • Physical examination
  • Blood and urine tests:
    • To check for infections, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, and other conditions
  • Memory and thinking tests (neuropsychological or cognitive tests):
    • To assess memory, attention, language, problem‑solving, and other cognitive skills
  • Brain imaging:
    • CT or MRI scans to look for strokes, tumors, or brain shrinkage
  • Psychiatric assessment:
    • To evaluate mood, behavior, and rule out depression or other mental health conditions

People with Alzheimer’s disease differ in:

  • The pattern of symptoms
  • The speed of decline
  • Day‑to‑day variability in abilities

Despite this variability, Alzheimer’s disease almost always involves gradual deterioration over months to years.

Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

Healthcare professionals often describe Alzheimer’s disease in three broad stages. Not everyone will experience every symptom, and progression varies from person to person.

Mild (Early) Alzheimer’s Disease

Symptoms may be subtle and sometimes only recognized in hindsight:

  • Appearing more apathetic or less engaged
  • Losing interest in hobbies, church groups, or social events
  • Being less willing to try new things
  • Difficulty adapting to changes in routine (for example, relocating within the Grand Rapids area or adjusting to winter driving limits)
  • Slower to grasp complex ideas or complete routine tasks
  • More forgetful of recent events (appointments, conversations, where items were placed)
  • Confusion about time or place
  • Becoming lost when away from familiar surroundings
  • Repeating questions or stories
  • Losing track of conversations
  • Increased irritability or upset when tasks are challenging
  • Difficulty managing finances, online banking, or bills

At this stage, many people in Grand Rapids can still live at home with some support and safety planning.

Moderate (Middle) Alzheimer’s Disease

At this stage, the person typically cannot live independently and needs daily assistance:

  • Confusion about time, date, and location
  • Getting lost more easily, even in familiar neighborhoods or local stores
  • Forgetting names of family or friends, or mixing up people
  • Leaving the stove on or forgetting to turn off appliances
  • Difficulty handling money, paying bills, or managing medications
  • Poor judgment (e.g., going outside in freezing weather without proper clothing)
  • Wandering, including at night, which can be dangerous in Michigan winters
  • Inappropriate behavior or clothing choices
  • Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there) or suspiciousness
  • Repetitive questions, words, or actions
  • Neglecting hygiene or eating
  • Inability to choose appropriate clothing for the weather or occasion

Families often seek help from home care agencies, adult day programs, or memory care communities in the Grand Rapids area at this stage.

Severe (Late) Alzheimer’s Disease

In late‑stage Alzheimer’s, the person is severely disabled and needs 24‑hour care:

  • Inability to recall important life events or recognize close family
  • Confused recognition of friends and caregivers
  • Loss of understanding of everyday objects and how to use them
  • Loss of meaningful speech; may only say a few words or sounds
  • Total dependence for eating, bathing, toileting, dressing, and moving
  • Incontinence of bladder and bowel
  • Sleep disturbances and nighttime restlessness
  • Frequent calling out, agitation, or aggression
  • Severe movement problems, including stiffness and difficulty walking

Many families in West Michigan partner with hospice and palliative care services as Alzheimer’s becomes advanced, to focus on comfort, dignity, and support for both the person and caregivers.

Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease and no treatment that can fully stop its progression. However, several treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Medications

Common medications used include:

  • Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine)
    • May help stabilize or slow decline in memory and thinking for a period of time
  • Memantine
    • May help with symptoms in moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease

Other medications may be used to manage:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Agitation or aggression

Important:
All medications can have side effects and may interact with other drugs. Many older adults in Grand Rapids take multiple medications for heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and other conditions. Your doctor or pharmacist can review all medications and supplements to reduce risk.

Non‑Medication Therapies and Lifestyle Support

Non‑drug approaches are an essential part of Alzheimer’s care:

  • Staying physically active
    • Walking indoors during winter (malls, community centers)
    • Gentle exercises approved by a physician
  • Staying mentally engaged
    • Puzzles, reading, music, crafts, or adapted hobbies
  • Social connection
    • Visits from friends and family
    • Adult day programs and senior centers in Grand Rapids
  • Managing stress
    • Routine, calm environments, and clear communication
  • Safety planning
    • Home safety assessments, fall prevention, winter weather precautions, wandering prevention

Education and professional support for families and caregivers are crucial. Caregiver burnout is common, especially during long Michigan winters when outdoor activity is limited.

Local Resources for Alzheimer’s and Dementia in Grand Rapids, MI

If you or a loved one in Grand Rapids is experiencing memory problems or has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, local help is available.

Medical and Clinical Resources

  • Your GP / Primary Care Doctor
    • First point of contact for memory concerns and referrals
  • Neurology and Memory Clinics at:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health

Public Health and Community Support

  • Kent County Health Department
    • Information on aging services, public health programs, and chronic disease management
  • Grand Rapids Public Health / City of Grand Rapids resources
    • Health promotion programs, support for older adults, and community education

Dementia and Caregiver Support (National and Regional)

  • Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline
    • 1‑800‑272‑3900 – Information, support, and local referrals
  • Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM)
    • Help finding local senior services, respite care, and caregiver support
  • Local home care agencies and memory care communities
    • Provide in‑home support, adult day programs, and residential memory care

(Phone numbers in the original article such as “National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500” and other Australian services do not apply in Michigan; use the Alzheimer’s Association helpline and local West Michigan agencies instead.)

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Consult a doctor as early as possible if you notice:

  • Persistent memory loss
  • Increasing confusion
  • Difficulty managing daily tasks
  • Personality or behavior changes

Early diagnosis in Grand Rapids allows:

  • Access to treatments that may slow symptom progression
  • Time to plan for future care and legal/financial decisions
  • Better support for caregivers and families

Key Points About Alzheimer’s Disease in Grand Rapids, MI

  • Alzheimer’s disease is a physical brain disease that causes progressive damage to brain cells and leads to dementia.
  • It is the most common form of dementia in the United States.
  • Symptoms usually start slowly and are subtle in the early stages, but worsen over time and interfere with daily life.
  • Risk increases with age, certain genes, and health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking—common concerns in Michigan.
  • There is no cure, but medications and non‑drug therapies can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
  • In Grand Rapids, major healthcare providers, the Kent County Health Department, and community organizations offer diagnosis, treatment, and support for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers.

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and are concerned about memory loss—for yourself or a loved one—start by contacting your primary care provider or a local neurology or memory clinic for a comprehensive evaluation.