You don't provide much in the way of information for anyone to truly offer suggestions. How old is She? Does she have a dementia diagnosis or is this your view? When was the last visit she had to a medical doctor? There are MANY medical issues that demonstrate symptoms that are like dementia. Thyroid, urinary tract infections among others. If you truly can't get her to see a doctor (just make the appointment and take her out for a ride) then make an appontment for a doctor to visit her. Yes, there are really doctors that will come to her. What messages are you sending her? Keep it upbeat, she may recognize her own failing and be scared out of her mind.
Call the MD and see if he can send a visiting nurse. It's very possible he mentioned dementia or disease at the last visit and she is in a state of denial. When the neurologist told mom to give up driving, she said she would never go back to his office again.
An adult who is "basically in her right mind" has the right to decide for herself whether to visit a doctor. There are certainly situations, however, when an adult in early stages of dementia really needs to be strongly encouraged to seek medical help.
Why do you say she has stage 1 dementia? Has she been formally diagnosed? Are you trying to get her to a doctor for diagnosis? Does she have other issues that need medical attention?
More information might result in more specific and helpful answers.
I am in the same situation. My mother was advised by in-home care nurse that she needs to see a doctor now. We made the appointment and now she is cancelling it because it is "cold" out. My brother, who was to take her, does not take this seriously. She is stubborn, will only go with him, and does not have a dx of dementia though she has one of depression. It is so hard. You can't force someone to do something UNNLESS that are declared incompetent. I feel for your dilmena. Jackie
Everyone has the right to refuse to see a doctor, treatment and medications. However I would continue to encourage her to go at least annually. If she has dementia and you know it's stage I, then she has seen her doctor for the diagnosis. How long ago was that? Is mom healthy? Is so why do you want her to see the doctor? You don't give her age, but many seniors remain healthy into old age. If you argue with her that will only make things worse. If her dementia has not progressed, then offer her choices about doctor visits so she feels she has some control. Explain to her why you are concerned and that it would ease your mind if she'd go. Maybe she's afraid the doctor will 'put her in a nursing home' or tell her something she's not ready to hear. Reassure her, tell her you will go with her then you can go out to lunch afterwards as a special treat. If her dementia has not progressed, I'd encourage her to complete a durable power of attorney for medical and financial decisions and an advance directive/living will. This will help if/when her dementia progresses. It's always important to talk about these types of decisions so you know what kind of care she would want in the event she became unable to speak for herself. Only her doctor can truly state if she is capable of understanding and making complex decisions, make sure you ask. Assure your mom you will assist her in any way you can.
One answer I saw on here for a similar question was to tell that parent that if they don't go to have a physical that their health insurance won't cover them anymore [yes, sometimes a white lie is needed to jump-start stubborn elders into going to the doctor].
Why do you say she has stage 1 dementia? Has she been formally diagnosed? Are you trying to get her to a doctor for diagnosis? Does she have other issues that need medical attention?
More information might result in more specific and helpful answers.
Jackie