Senility
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Related to dementia: senile dementia
SENILITY. The state of being old.
2. Sometimes in this state it is exceedingly difficult to know whether
the individual is or is not so deprived of the powers of his mind as to be
unable to manage his affairs. In general, senility of energy in some of the
intellectual operations, while the affections remain natural and
unperverted; such a state may, however, be followed by actual dementia or
idiocy.
3. When on account of senility the party is unable to manage his
affairs, a committee will be appointed as in case of lunacy. 1 Coll. on
Lunacy, 66; 2 John. Ch. R. 232; 12 Ves. 446; 4 Call's R. 423; 5 John. Ch. R.
158; 8 Mass. 129; 2 Ves. sen. 407; 19 Ves. 285; 2 Cyclop. of Pract. Med.
872. See Aged Witness.
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States. By John Bouvier. Published 1856.