Aging and Senility

In the past there was a tendency for society's weakened, old people to be viewed as "senile", "fossils" or "demented" or that they "went into their second childhood". Adults who cannot remember a name or word may sayhey will say: "I must be growing old and forgetful". Or try to joke around with someone who is forgetful by saying "You aren't going senile, are you?"

In the past people believed that changes such as memory loss and behavioural changes in elderly people were due to aging.  Age was viewed as a disease - and psychological impairment was one of the symptoms.

But today we know that dementia is due to pathological processes in the brain. Dementia is not caused by aging itself. Even though the risk of being affected increases with age.

We gain our knowledge about society from various sources. It takes a long time before new, professional knowledge becomes common knowledge. If you have read a good article or book that had an impact on your understanding of dementia, it may be a good idea to pass it on.to other people with dementia, their relatives and even professionals. This will provide a common ground for questions, discussions and to clear up any disagreements and misunderstandings.