Is Alzheimer’s disease the same as senile dementia?
Disease description:
Recently, I’ve noticed that my elderly family members are becoming increasingly slow in their responses. After a hospital examination, the doctor diagnosed them with Alzheimer’s disease. Is this the same as senile dementia?
Hello,
Alzheimer’s disease—also known as senile dementia—is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder with insidious onset. Early manifestations include recent memory impairment, mild disorientation, and gradually declining recognition ability. Emotional changes are also prominent, commonly presenting as depression, irritability, and increased argumentativeness. Patients often develop rigid and unusual daily routines, exhibit poor attention span, yet remain capable of independent self-care. In advanced stages, profound dementia develops, accompanied by global cognitive decline. Physical signs include flexion contractures of the limbs, urinary and fecal incontinence, increased muscle tone, gait instability, inability to ambulate (bedridden state), myoclonic seizures, and ultimately, a vegetative state.
Wishing you good health!