Senility refers to mental deterioration and infirmity that often comes with old age, as in severe memory problems. If your find your shoes in the fridge or accidentally call your son by the dog's name, you may wonder if senility is kicking in.
Senility is related to the word senile, which itself is from the Latin word senilis, meaning of old age. There are subtle differences between senility and Alzheimer's disease, which causes memory loss as well as emotional and behavioral changes. If you suspect someone you care about has senility issues or Alzheimer's disease, you should consult a physician because treatments may be available to help slow the process.