Cause of Death - Senile Decay

[jeanie68]

Hi

Have just received death cert for my x3 Grandfather Samuel Lingard (aged 79) and cause of death is senile decay - is this another way of saying old age or did he die of senile dementia?

Any help, as always, very much appreciated

Jeanie 

[AngelaR]

My understanding is that the medical terms pre 1900 were rather looser than our current ones, but senile decay definitely implies a lot more than old age. I think it roughly covers dementia but is a broader term.


According to this excellent site, it usually meant Alzheimers -

http://www.antiquusmorbus.com/English/Senility.htm

SS

[Lydart]

I think either is possible ...    

[genjen]

I think either is possible ...    

I would agree with that. I imagine it covers pretty much anything which could be put down to the effects of old age.

Jen

[jeanie68]

thanks for the swift replies. I always feel so sad when I get a death cert back cos I feel I have got to know them well through their BMD's. Am glad he just died of old age.

Secret Squirrel -  the website has also helped a great deal with other weird and wonderful death certs I've got, thanks again 

[AngelaR]

Glad you like the website jeanie68  I've found it incredibly useful in the past. You wouldn't believe how many different terms there are for TB for example, or even syphilis!

SS

[sjaneo]

Thanks for posting this I was just wondering why at least of the recent death certificates I got had senile decay.

In 1 family i've had 5 deaths with 2 different terms used to basically describe TB

[LeeanneB]

I was quite interested to read this post, as I have also just received a death notice that states the cause of death as Senile Decay, however below that it says "years certified" - does anyone know what that refers to?  The place of death is the home address of my ancestor, so I assume it doesn't mean he was placed in a home or asylum or some such place.

[Lydart]

Perhaps it means the number of years the doctor giving the cert has known the patient ...

... or ....

number of years the deceased may have had 'senile decay' ?


Perhaps someone else will know !