Early Signs of Dementia in Grand Rapids, MI

Dementia can develop slowly, and the early signs are often subtle. In Grand Rapids, where we have a growing older adult population and long Michigan winters that can affect mood and activity levels, recognizing early dementia symptoms is especially important for maintaining independence and quality of life.

Early symptoms depend on the type of dementia (such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, or Lewy body dementia) and can vary widely from person to person. However, one of the most common early signs is a loss of ability to manage everyday tasks.

Many people in Grand Rapids and across Michigan may dismiss these changes as “just getting older,” but dementia is not a normal part of aging. Early evaluation by a healthcare professional at a local clinic or hospital can make a real difference.

Common Early Symptoms of Dementia

If you or a loved one in Grand Rapids is experiencing several of the symptoms below, it’s important to talk with a doctor at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, or your primary care provider for a complete assessment.

Memory Problems

  • Frequently forgetting recent events, conversations, or appointments
  • Asking the same questions repeatedly
  • Relying more and more on notes, calendars, or family members to remember things

It’s normal to occasionally forget an appointment and remember it later. With dementia, the forgetting is more frequent, and the person may not remember it at all.

Difficulty with Everyday Tasks

  • Struggling with all the steps involved in preparing a meal, even a familiar one
  • Having trouble following recipes they once knew well
  • Getting overwhelmed by tasks that require planning, like organizing bills or medications

In Grand Rapids, this might look like someone who once easily prepared family dinners now getting confused about ingredients or forgetting to turn off the stove.

Confusion About Time and Place

  • Getting lost on familiar routes, such as driving from Wyoming or Kentwood into downtown Grand Rapids
  • Feeling confused about where they are or how they got there
  • Thinking they are living in a past time in their life

Everyone can take a wrong turn occasionally, but a person with dementia may become disoriented in places they’ve known for years.

Language and Communication Problems

  • Forgetting simple words or using the wrong words, making sentences hard to understand
  • Having trouble following conversations, especially in noisy environments (like busy restaurants or events in Grand Rapids)
  • Repeating themselves frequently

They may also have increasing difficulty understanding others, not just finding the right words themselves.

Problems with Managing Money and Numbers

  • Struggling to pay bills or balance a checkbook
  • Not understanding what the numbers on a bill or bank statement mean
  • Making unusual purchases or falling for financial scams

Managing finances can be challenging for anyone, but with dementia, there is a noticeable decline in abilities that were previously routine.

Poor Judgment and Decision-Making

  • Wearing clothing that is not appropriate for Michigan’s climate (e.g., light clothing in freezing Grand Rapids winters or heavy coats on hot summer days)
  • Giving away large sums of money or valuables without a clear reason
  • Making unsafe decisions, such as continuing to drive despite getting lost or having minor accidents

Dementia can affect judgment, especially in situations that require evaluating risk or planning ahead.

Difficulty with Spatial Skills and Driving

  • Trouble judging distances or directions, especially when driving
  • Misjudging steps or curbs, leading to trips or falls
  • Having a harder time parking, staying in the lane, or navigating familiar Grand Rapids streets

These changes can make driving in winter weather, snow, and early darkness especially dangerous.

Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps

  • Frequently putting items in unusual places (keys in the refrigerator, wallet in a shoe)
  • Being unable to retrace steps to find lost items
  • Sometimes not recognizing what an object is for (e.g., not knowing what keys are used for)

Everyone misplaces items occasionally, but with dementia, this happens more often and with more confusion.

Mood, Personality, or Behavior Changes

  • Rapid mood swings for no clear reason
  • Becoming unusually suspicious, fearful, anxious, or withdrawn
  • Showing less interest in social activities, community events, or hobbies they once enjoyed (such as church groups, senior centers, or local clubs in Grand Rapids)

Some people may become more disinhibited or outgoing, saying or doing things that are out of character or socially inappropriate.

Loss of Interest and Motivation

  • Losing interest in hobbies, family gatherings, or community activities
  • Needing frequent reminders or encouragement to get involved in activities
  • Appearing apathetic or depressed

In Michigan’s long, dark winters, it can be easy to blame these changes on seasonal mood shifts, but persistent withdrawal may be an early sign of dementia.

Conditions That Can Mimic Dementia

Not everyone with memory or thinking problems has dementia. Many treatable conditions can cause dementia-like symptoms, including:

  • Stroke or mini-strokes
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Excessive long-term alcohol use
  • Infections
  • Hormonal disorders (such as thyroid problems)
  • Nutritional deficiencies (like low vitamin B12)
  • Brain tumors

Many of these conditions can be treated, which is why a thorough medical evaluation in Grand Rapids is critical.

Getting a Dementia Evaluation in Grand Rapids, MI

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Only a doctor can diagnose dementia. An early, accurate diagnosis allows for:

  • Early treatment and symptom management
  • Better planning for care, finances, and legal decisions
  • Access to local support services and dementia resources in Grand Rapids and Kent County
  • More time for the person and family to understand and adjust to the diagnosis

A complete medical evaluation can also identify treatable conditions and ensure they are managed properly.

What to Expect in a Dementia Assessment

Healthcare providers in Grand Rapids (such as neurologists, geriatricians, and memory clinics at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health) may use several types of assessments:

1. Medical History

The doctor will ask about:

  • Current and past medical problems
  • Family history of dementia or neurological conditions
  • Medications, supplements, or substances used
  • Specific concerns about memory, thinking, behavior, or daily functioning

They may also talk with a close family member or caregiver who can describe changes over time.

2. Physical Examination

To rule out other causes, the doctor may:

  • Check blood pressure, heart, and lung function
  • Test reflexes, coordination, strength, and balance
  • Evaluate vision and hearing

3. Laboratory Tests

Blood and urine tests may be ordered to look for:

  • Infections
  • Thyroid or other hormone problems
  • Vitamin deficiencies
  • Other medical conditions that could affect brain function

In some cases, a small sample of spinal fluid may be collected for specialized testing.

4. Cognitive and Neuropsychological Testing

These tests check:

  • Memory
  • Language and communication
  • Attention and concentration
  • Problem-solving and abstract thinking

The results can help identify specific areas of difficulty and suggest the likely type of dementia, if present.

5. Brain Imaging (Scans)

Scans such as CT, MRI, or PET may be used to:

  • Look at the structure of the brain
  • Rule out brain tumors, bleeding, or blood clots
  • Detect patterns of brain tissue loss that can help distinguish between different types of dementia
  • Assess how active certain parts of the brain are

These tests are commonly available through major Grand Rapids hospital systems.

6. Psychiatric Assessment

A mental health evaluation can:

  • Identify treatable conditions like depression or anxiety
  • Assess any psychiatric symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions
  • Help create a comprehensive treatment plan

After reviewing symptoms and test results, the doctor may provide a preliminary diagnosis or refer the person to a specialist, such as a neurologist, geriatrician, or memory clinic.

When a Loved One Resists Seeing a Doctor

Some people:

  • Do not recognize that anything is wrong (because of changes in the brain)
  • Deny problems out of fear or embarrassment
  • Worry about losing independence, especially driving or living alone

These reactions are common. To encourage a visit:

  • Suggest another reason for a check-up, such as blood pressure, diabetes, or a medication review
  • Propose that you both get a routine physical exam together
  • Use any expressed worry (“I keep forgetting things lately”) as an opportunity to suggest talking with the doctor

Throughout the process, reassurance is essential. A calm, caring attitude can help reduce anxiety and fear.

Local Dementia Resources in Grand Rapids and Kent County

If you live in the Grand Rapids area, you don’t have to navigate dementia concerns alone. Helpful resources include:

  • Kent County Health Department – Information on aging services, community health programs, and referrals
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and local senior centers – Education on brain health, chronic disease management, and support groups
  • Major health systems (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health) – Memory clinics, neurology, and geriatric care
  • Local chapters of national organizations (such as the Alzheimer’s Association) – Support groups, caregiver training, and helplines

Ask your primary care provider or clinic for referrals to dementia and memory services in the Grand Rapids area.

Early Warning Signs of Dementia: Quick Checklist

If you notice several of these signs in yourself or someone you care about in Grand Rapids, schedule a medical evaluation:

  • Memory problems, especially with recent events
  • Increasing confusion and disorientation
  • Reduced concentration and attention
  • Difficulty with familiar tasks (cooking, managing medications, paying bills)
  • Language problems (finding words, following conversations)
  • Changes in abstract thinking (trouble with planning, problem-solving, or numbers)
  • Poor judgment (especially with money, safety, or weather-appropriate clothing)
  • Problems with spatial skills (driving, judging distance, navigating familiar places)
  • Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps
  • Mood, personality, or behavior changes (apathy, withdrawal, suspicion, depression, disinhibition)

Key Points to Remember

  • Early symptoms of dementia vary widely and depend on the type of dementia.
  • Common early signs include difficulty with everyday tasks, memory problems, and changes in thinking or behavior.
  • Symptoms often develop gradually and may go unnoticed or be mistaken for normal aging.
  • Many other medical conditions can mimic dementia and are treatable, so a professional evaluation is essential.
  • In Grand Rapids, MI, local hospitals, clinics, and public health resources can provide assessment, diagnosis, and support for individuals and families facing dementia.

If you are concerned about early dementia signs in yourself or a loved one, contact your Grand Rapids primary care provider, a local memory clinic, or the Kent County Health Department to start the evaluation process. Early action can help protect health, safety, and independence.