Parkinson’s Disease Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, degenerative neurological condition that affects how a person controls their body movements. It is not contagious, and many people in Grand Rapids live for decades with Parkinson’s disease with the right medical care and support.

While Parkinson’s itself is not usually the direct cause of death, complications (such as falls, infections, or swallowing problems) can be serious. Early diagnosis and ongoing care with a neurologist in Grand Rapids are important for staying as healthy and independent as possible.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder. It develops when certain nerve cells (neurons) in the middle part of the brain gradually break down or die. These cells normally produce dopamine, a chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) that helps control smooth, coordinated muscle movement.

When about 70% of dopamine-producing cells have stopped working properly, noticeable symptoms of Parkinson’s disease typically begin.

Researchers believe Parkinson’s may be genetic in a small percentage of cases, but in most people, there is no clear family history.

Parkinson’s Disease in Michigan and Grand Rapids

  • In the United States, it’s estimated that about 4 in 1,000 people have Parkinson’s disease, increasing to 1 in 100 after age 60.
  • In Michigan, more than 80,000 people are living with Parkinson’s disease.
  • Grand Rapids and the greater Kent County area have a large and aging population, meaning local neurologists and movement-disorder clinics see many residents with Parkinson’s.

Cold, icy West Michigan winters can increase the risk of falls for people with Parkinson’s disease, making local fall-prevention strategies and physical therapy especially important.

If you live in the Grand Rapids area, you may receive Parkinson’s care through:

  • Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health)
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
  • Mercy Health clinics and associated neurology practices
  • Community resources like the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health for education and support

Common Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease affects everyone differently. The type, number, severity, and progression of symptoms can vary widely. Not everyone will experience all symptoms.

Motor (Movement) Symptoms

Common movement-related symptoms include:

  • Resting tremor – shaking in a hand, arm, leg, or jaw when the body part is at rest
  • Rigidity – muscle stiffness, often in the arms, legs, or neck
  • Bradykinesia – slowness of movement; tasks take longer to start and complete
  • Freezing – sudden temporary inability to move, especially when starting to walk or turning
  • Shuffling gait – short, small steps, sometimes with reduced arm swing
  • Stooped posture – leaning forward when standing or walking
  • Micrographia – small, cramped handwriting
  • Difficulty with multitasking – trouble doing more than one thing at a time
  • Loss of volume in speech – softer voice, monotone speech

Non-Motor Symptoms

Parkinson’s disease also affects parts of the nervous system outside the movement centers, including the gut and autonomic nervous system. Symptoms can include:

  • Fatigue
  • Sleep disturbances (insomnia, vivid dreams, acting out dreams)
  • Loss of sense of smell
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Apathy (loss of motivation)
  • Constipation
  • Blood pressure fluctuations (dizziness when standing)
  • Cognitive changes (slowed thinking, difficulty concentrating)
  • Paranoia, hallucinations, or delusions in some people, especially later in the disease or with certain medications

If you or a family member in Grand Rapids notice these symptoms, especially tremor or slowness of movement, it’s important to talk with your primary care doctor or a neurologist.

Hallucinations, Delusions, and Mental Health Changes

People living with Parkinson’s for some time may experience:

  • Hallucinations – seeing, hearing, feeling, or smelling things that are not actually there
  • Delusions – strongly held false beliefs, such as thinking someone is trying to harm you

These symptoms can be frightening for both the person with Parkinson’s and their family, but they are treatable. Do not ignore them or stop medications on your own. Speak with your doctor or neurologist in Grand Rapids; medication adjustments or additional treatments can often help.

What Causes Parkinson’s Disease?

The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is still unknown. Researchers around the world, including teams in Michigan, are investigating possible causes such as:

  • Environmental triggers – exposure to certain pesticides, toxins, or chemicals
  • Head trauma – repeated head injuries may increase risk
  • Genetic factors – certain gene mutations can increase risk in a small number of people
  • Combination of genes and environment

In most people, there is no clear single cause.

How Parkinson’s Disease Is Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

There is currently no single blood test or scan that can definitively diagnose Parkinson’s disease. Diagnosis is based mainly on:

  • A detailed medical history
  • A thorough neurological examination
  • Response to Parkinson’s medications in some cases
  • Tests such as MRI, CT scans, or blood tests to rule out other conditions

Because symptoms can be subtle at first, getting a definitive diagnosis may take time. In Grand Rapids, you may be referred to a movement disorder specialist (a neurologist with extra training in conditions like Parkinson’s) at centers such as:

  • Corewell Health neurology clinics
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids neurology
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health neurology

Early diagnosis allows you and your care team to start treatment and lifestyle changes that can improve your long-term quality of life.

Can Parkinson’s Disease Be Cured?

There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease. However, symptoms can be managed with:

  • Medication
  • Regular follow-up with a neurologist
  • Multidisciplinary support (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, nutrition, counseling)
  • Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery for some people

With appropriate care, many people in Grand Rapids with Parkinson’s disease live independent and productive lives for many years.

Medications for Parkinson’s Disease

Medication therapy focuses on maximizing dopamine activity in the brain or mimicking its effects. Treatment is highly individualized based on your:

  • Symptoms
  • Age and overall health
  • Lifestyle and work demands
  • Side-effect tolerance

Common medication categories include:

1. Levodopa (Dopamine Replacement Therapy)

  • The most effective medication for many people
  • Converts to dopamine in the brain to improve movement
  • Often combined with another drug (such as carbidopa) to reduce side effects

2. Dopamine Agonists

  • Mimic the action of dopamine in the brain
  • Can be used alone in early disease or with levodopa later
  • May be helpful for younger patients but can have side effects such as sleepiness or impulse-control problems

3. MAO-B Inhibitors

  • Prevent the breakdown of dopamine in the brain
  • Help increase and prolong the effect of natural dopamine and levodopa

4. COMT Inhibitors

  • Taken with levodopa
  • Block an enzyme (COMT) that breaks down levodopa in the intestine and blood
  • Allow more levodopa to reach the brain and last longer

5. Anticholinergics

  • Block the effect of acetylcholine, another brain chemical
  • Help rebalance its levels with dopamine
  • Sometimes used for tremor, but often avoided in older adults due to side effects (confusion, memory problems, dry mouth)

6. Amantadine

  • Has anticholinergic properties and improves dopamine transmission
  • May help reduce dyskinesias (involuntary movements) caused by long-term levodopa use

Finding the Right Medication Plan

There Is No “Best” Single Medication for Parkinson’s

Each person with Parkinson’s disease in Grand Rapids has unique needs. Your neurologist will consider:

  • Your specific symptoms
  • Disease progression
  • Work and family responsibilities
  • Other medical conditions
  • How you tolerate medications

As the disease progresses, your doctor may need to review and adjust your medications. Side effects (such as nausea, low blood pressure, or involuntary movements) can sometimes be a problem, especially on higher doses.

Medication Timing Matters

For people with Parkinson’s disease, taking medications on time is critical:

  • Take your medication at the exact times recommended every day.
  • This applies whether you are at home, at work, in the hospital, or in a nursing home.
  • Late or missed doses can significantly worsen movement and increase fall risk.

If you are admitted to a Grand Rapids hospital (for example, Corewell Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids), make sure staff know you have Parkinson’s and that your medication schedule must be followed closely.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and Other Surgeries

Surgery does not cure Parkinson’s disease, but it can help control certain symptoms in carefully selected people.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

DBS is the most commonly used surgical treatment for Parkinson’s disease today.

  • A neurosurgeon places thin electrodes in specific areas of the brain affected by Parkinson’s.
  • These electrodes are connected to a pacemaker-like device (a stimulator) implanted under the skin of the chest.
  • The device sends electrical impulses to help “normalize” abnormal brain activity and reduce symptoms such as tremor, stiffness, and dyskinesias.

DBS may be considered early or later in the course of Parkinson’s, depending on your symptoms and response to medications.

Not everyone is a candidate for DBS. There are strict criteria, including:

  • Diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease
  • Good response to levodopa
  • No severe dementia or uncontrolled psychiatric illness
  • Overall medical fitness for surgery

In West Michigan, DBS evaluations and surgeries are typically performed at major centers such as Corewell Health or in coordination with University of Michigan Health or other regional neurosurgical centers.

Thalamotomy and Pallidotomy

These are older surgical procedures in which a small lesion (cut) is made in a specific part of the brain to reduce tremor or abnormal movements. Due to the success and adjustability of DBS, thalamotomy and pallidotomy are now rarely performed.

Multidisciplinary Care in Grand Rapids

Early Access to a Support Team Is Important

People with Parkinson’s disease do best with a multidisciplinary team that may include:

  • Neurologists and primary care doctors
  • Physiotherapists (physical therapists)
  • Occupational therapists
  • Speech-language pathologists
  • Dietitians
  • Social workers
  • Psychologists or counselors
  • Parkinson’s nurse specialists, where available

This team can:

  • Assess your current abilities
  • Identify potential difficulties at home, work, or in the community
  • Suggest equipment, home modifications, and strategies to keep you independent
  • Help you navigate insurance and community resources

In Michigan, there are a limited number of specialized Parkinson’s multidisciplinary clinics, but many general neurology and rehabilitation teams in Grand Rapids are experienced in Parkinson’s care and can coordinate services for you.

Local resources include:

  • Kent County Health Department – public health programs and referrals
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community centers – wellness and exercise programs
  • Hospital-based rehab services through Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health

Exercise and Parkinson’s Disease in West Michigan

Evidence strongly suggests that regular exercise can:

  • Improve some Parkinson’s symptoms
  • Slow functional decline
  • Enhance overall quality of life

Benefits of Regular Exercise

For people with Parkinson’s disease, exercise can:

  • Improve joint mobility
  • Provide better control over gross motor movements (like walking)
  • Increase muscle strength and flexibility
  • Improve cardiovascular fitness
  • Enhance coordination and balance
  • Reduce the risk of falls
  • Improve posture
  • Boost confidence in daily activities
  • Reduce stress levels and improve mood

Types of Exercise

With guidance from your physiotherapist or healthcare provider, you might consider:

  • Walking programs (outdoors in good weather, or indoors at malls or gyms in winter)
  • Tai chi or yoga
  • Strength training
  • Balance exercises
  • Stationary cycling or treadmill walking
  • Parkinson’s-specific exercise classes (e.g., boxing, dance, or Rock Steady Boxing programs, where available in the Grand Rapids area)

Because Grand Rapids has long, snowy winters and slippery sidewalks, many people with Parkinson’s use indoor exercise options during the cold months.

Always consult your doctor or physiotherapist before starting or changing your exercise program.

Living With Parkinson’s in Grand Rapids: Support for Carers

Being a carer (caregiver) for someone with Parkinson’s disease can be physically and emotionally demanding. Support is available.

Carers may benefit from:

  • Counseling and mental health support
  • Carer education programs
  • Respite services to provide breaks from caregiving
  • Support groups (in-person and online)
  • Practical help with transportation, home safety, and community resources

You can look for local caregiver support through:

  • Hospital social work departments at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health
  • Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan
  • Local Parkinson’s support groups in Grand Rapids and West Michigan
  • National organizations such as the Parkinson’s Foundation and Michael J. Fox Foundation

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Seek medical advice if you:

  • Notice tremor, stiffness, or slowness that is not explained by another condition
  • Have changes in balance, walking, or frequent falls
  • Develop hallucinations, delusions, or significant mood changes
  • Have trouble managing medications or daily activities

Start with your primary care physician or family doctor. They can refer you to a neurologist or movement disorder specialist in the Grand Rapids area for further evaluation and management.

Key Points About Parkinson’s Disease

  • Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, degenerative neurological condition that affects movement.
  • It is not contagious.
  • Symptoms are caused by the progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the midbrain.
  • This leads to a lack of dopamine, a neurotransmitter essential for smooth, controlled movements.
  • Symptoms usually appear when about 70% of dopamine-producing cells have stopped working normally.
  • Parkinson’s disease cannot be cured, but symptoms can be effectively managed with medication, multidisciplinary care, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery.
  • In Grand Rapids and across Michigan, many resources are available to help people with Parkinson’s disease and their families live active, meaningful lives.

If you live in the Grand Rapids, MI area and suspect symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, contact your local GP or neurologist to discuss evaluation and treatment options tailored to you.