Senility

Senility is an historical term used to describe a decline in mental faculties associated with aging, particularly severe memory loss and impairment in judgment. It is not a precise medical diagnosis. In contemporary medicine, the concept has largely been replaced by terms such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or mild cognitive impairment, which specify underlying etiologies.

In practice, senile symptoms range from normal age-related forgetfulness to significant impairment that interferes with daily activities. Early signs include forgetfulness, difficulties with word finding, slower processing, and reduced ability to plan or follow sequences. As conditions progress, individuals may become disoriented, show personality changes, or require supervision.

Causes are varied. Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative dementias are common causes of persistent cognitive decline in older adults. Vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia are other etiologies. Some cognitive impairment is reversible, due to delirium, infections, metabolic disturbances, thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, depression, or medication effects; these require prompt evaluation.

Diagnosis and management emphasize identifying and treating underlying causes, ensuring safety, and supporting daily functioning. Diagnostic workups may include cognitive screening, neuropsychological testing, blood tests, and brain imaging. Treatments depend on the diagnosis and may involve medications, cognitive rehabilitation, caregiver support, and lifestyle measures such as regular physical activity, social engagement, and management of cardiovascular risk factors. Public health discussions emphasize reducing stigma and planning for long-term care.