Senility

Senility, general mental and physical deterioration often (but not always) seen in the elderly. Because the term refers to several conditions and causes, experts on the elderly avoid using it. Failure of recent memory, dwelling on the past, episodic confusion, and difficulty in absorbing new information are common conditions associated with so-called senility. Permanent damage can be caused by the brain diseases multi-infarct dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

See also: Alzheimer's disease; Geriatrics.