Should We Still Use the Term “Senile Dementia”? Understanding the Language of Memory Loss
For many years, people believed that memory loss in old age was a normal part of getting older. Terms like “senile dementia” were commonly used to describe forgetfulness, confusion, and cognitive decline among the elderly. But with today’s medical knowledge and more accurate understanding of brain health, it’s clear that this term is outdated and potentially misleading.
So, what exactly is “senile dementia”? And is it still appropriate to use the term?
Let’s explore.
What Is “Senile Dementia”?
The word “senile” comes from Latin and means “old.” So, “senile dementia” was used to describe age-related memory loss or confusion in older adults. It was once believed that all elderly people would eventually become forgetful, and that this decline was simply a natural part of aging.
However, modern research has shown that dementia is not a normal part of growing older—it’s caused by physical diseases that affect the brain.
Why We No Longer Use the Term “Senile Dementia”
Today, healthcare professionals and dementia specialists avoid using the term “senile dementia.” It’s considered outdated and vague, and it can give the wrong impression that memory loss is an inevitable part of aging—which it isn’t.
Instead, we now understand that dementia refers to a range of specific brain disorders, not a condition caused by old age itself.
A Better Understanding of Dementia
Rather than using “senile dementia,” we now refer to:
- Dementia – a general term for a range of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and behaviour
- Alzheimer’s disease – the most common cause of dementia
- Vascular dementia – caused by reduced blood flow to the brain
- Lewy body dementia – associated with abnormal protein deposits in the brain
- Frontotemporal dementia – typically affecting behaviour and language first
Each form of dementia has different symptoms, causes, and treatments. Age may increase risk, but aging alone doesn’t cause dementia.
Dementia vs. Early-Onset Dementia
Today, we use more age-specific and medically accurate terms:
- Dementia – usually refers to people aged 65 and older experiencing memory loss
- Young-onset dementia (or early-onset dementia) – refers to individuals under the age of 65 diagnosed with dementia
This distinction helps health professionals provide better support, care plans, and resources tailored to the age and needs of the individual.
Why Language Matters in Dementia Care
Using the right terms is not just medically accurate—it’s also more respectful and compassionate. Calling someone “senile” can carry outdated and negative stereotypes. Saying someone has “dementia,” or specifying a diagnosis like “Alzheimer’s,” helps others understand that the person is living with a recognised medical condition, not just “old age.”
Final Thoughts
The term “senile dementia” is no longer used by healthcare professionals because it oversimplifies and misrepresents a complex group of conditions. Today, we have a much better understanding of what causes dementia and how to support people living with it.
If you’re caring for someone with memory loss—or concerned about your own brain health—it’s important to use accurate, respectful language.
And remember: dementia is not a normal part of aging—it’s a medical condition, and help is available.
I know there is nothing anybody can do, but my problem is what can i do about my 97 yr. old mother who is obviously suffering from dementia.
Her memory is almost gone altogether. She repeats herself over and over and says things that really don’t make sense.
In lots of ways she is amazing, doing all her own personal care, cooking her food (which is a big worry). She will not have ready meals that could be put into oven. She boils things on top of the cooker. However, she is so so lonely. I do all her heavy housework, garden, washing, paperwork, phone calls, appointments etc.etc.
I have suggested she have somebody come for an hour 3-4 days per week for a chat and cuppa, but no way does she want strangers coming in she says.
I would love to move her to sheltered housing, but i cannot force the issue, its her life and her choice at the end of the day. However she is not a happy lady, always talking about taking ‘tablets’ to finish herself off.
She would like me there 24/7, but that is just not possible to do.
This situation must arise quite often. Any ideas how i can deal with it.
Hello Pam,You sound like a very strong woman and well done for coping so far. Anybody involved with caring for a person with dementia will have an idea of how difficult it can be dealing with a person who refuses any suggestions you make and is very stubborn.
Have you tried suggesting to your mum that she visit an elderly day care centre. This is a place where your mum can go for the day and take part in many activities. Many centers specialize in dementia care so are well equipped and trained to deal with people who have dementia and the difficulties they may have. Many centres will pick up people from their own homes and then return them later in the day. (usually before teatime ) They are normally given their dinner at the centre. They are great places to allow social interaction between carers and sufferers of dementia.
Maybe if you could get your mother to go to a day care centre once or twice a week you could then get outside help such as cleaners and so to do the cleaning work when she was at the centre.
As always i would suggest talking to your local council services about help you could get. If you have a local dementia cafe I would suggest you visit them because they are great place for you to talk to other people who are in a similar position to yourself as well as people who specialize in areas that could provide great help and advise, and best of all they are free to attend.
Thank you for your reply John
My initial reaction is that I don’t think she would go to a day care situation.
She won’t go to the Age UK pop in we have locally and she certainly won’t go anywhere on the dial-a-ride scheme so I cannot see her going on a mini bus to a day care centre, although it seems a good idea and I will definiatly look into it.
She is her own worst enemy really. I will give our local council a ring on Tuesday to see if there is indeed any day care service before I put the suggestion to her.
Once again, thank you.
If someone uses the term “senile dementia” are they being disrespectful? I used the term last week to refer to one of our clients and I was told off. Please can you let me know, it led to a massive arguement between me and my boss.
I was told to use the word “old aged dementia”
Is my boss being politically correct or is this right?
Please help
Edd
Hello Edd,
Not sure really. I suppose being politically correct your boss is right from what i gather but im not totally sure. I still see the term widly used, I even saw a report on the BBC the other day that used the term “senile dementia”
Senile means “disease of old age” so the term “senile dementia” could be a reference to memory loss as a result of aging. Is this then the wrong term to use?
I suppose in this day and age that it could be seen by some as being incorrect but I personally dont see it as being disrespectful.
I dont think its something worth falling out about though.
Thanks