Senility is an old fashioned term for dementia. It was used when people believed that severe memory impairments and confusion were a normal part of aging. Scientists no longer believe that senility or dementia is a normal part of aging. These days, the term dementia is more commonly used, and is more appropriate. However, it is still important to find out what the cause of dementia is.
AD is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, which slowly develops over the course of many years.
At first, the victim might have difficulty remembering simple things. They may use coping strategies such as making lists to get by so that others do not notice these changes. As the disease slowly progresses, the victim's memory problems become worse. They can no longer remember how to use common home appliances, or they don't remember that they made a list. There are other features of AD besides dementia.