Check out the Alzheimer’s Association -
http://www.alz.org/

Another great source would be to locate a local support chapter for families of Alzheimer sufferers. Other families who have been through this will have great suggestions on getting that "first" visit.

Even if the person refuses to see a doctor at this time, there are lots of things that family can do to help slow the disease progression - if it is indeed Alzheimers. But what if it isn't. What if something else is wrong of which there is effective treatment. That is one suggestion that might encourage a person to see a doctor. To rule it out.

A person in the early stages of Alzheimers is still an adult with rights - even the right to refuse treatment. As sad as that is, it is their right to deal with this illness (if they have it) in their own way. Eventually, the disease will progress and then family will need to step in. In the case of my grandmother, when that time arrived, she did not know what was happening. She only knew that she was with people who smiled often and spoke kindly to her.

It seems to me that once Alzheimer hits hard, the person suffering doesn't know it. In a way, Alzheimer is an affliction that hits the family the worst. Because we know what is lost forever except in our own memories and family stories.