Hi @16margaret and welcome to TP.
I never used the words dementia or Alzheimer's with my mum. I always said she had an appointment for a check up, or they wanted to check her medication....whatever worked at the time. Once she saw the consultant, she liked him, and then I was able to say that "that nice doctor wants to see you again, that's nice of him, isn't it? Now he's given you an appointment wouldn't it be rude not to go? We could see him before we go shopping..." And so on. It wasn't easy and I found it hard to fudge the truth, but it was the only way to get her seen.
The phase didn't actually last long because once she had the diagnosis, they didn't offer follow up visits.....but that's another story!!
Keep trying and good luck.
Lindy xx