Senility: meaning, definitions and examples

Primarily refers to the physical and mental decline related to aging, often describing an elderly person who is showing signs of old age.

• He showed signs of senility, such as repeating himself frequently and confusing names

A medical term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life. Often used in clinical or serious discussions.

• Her diagnosis of dementia explained her increasing difficulties with daily tasks

Casual term often used to describe minor, everyday lapses in memory. It is not necessarily linked to serious health conditions.

• His forgetfulness led him to misplace his keys several times a week

Used in medical or formal contexts to describe the general reduction in mental abilities, often without specifying a cause.

• The patient's decline in cognitive function was evident during the memory tests

Commonly used when discussing the general, often age-related, decline in mental faculties and is frequently associated with advanced age.

• My grandfather's senility has made it difficult for him to remember recent events.
• As he grew older, signs of senility started to appear.

Refers to the reduction of mental abilities and is often used in both medical and everyday conversations about aging.

• He showed signs of mental decline after his 80th birthday.
• Mental decline can be mitigated through regular mental and physical activity.

Typically used in medical or psychological contexts to describe difficulties in memory, problem-solving, and other cognitive functions. It can occur at any age, not necessarily linked with old age.

• Cognitive impairment can be caused by a variety of factors including traumatic brain injury.
• Mild cognitive impairment is often a precursor to more serious conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

Appropriate when discussing the natural process of the brain getting older. It is a neutral and clinical term.

• Brain aging can be slowed down with regular mental exercises.
• Researchers are studying the effects of diet on brain aging.