Translation guide
The English term "senile dementia" is outdated and now considered stigmatizing. In Japanese, the equivalent term 痴呆 (ちほう) is also outdated and has been officially replaced by 認知症 (にんちしょう), which means "cognitive impairment" or "dementia." This guide focuses on modern, respectful terminology and expressions used in medical, caregiving, and everyday contexts.
認知症
dementia (modern, respectful term)
This is the standard term used in medical and everyday contexts. Avoid using 痴呆 (ちほう).
To refer to dementia in a neutral, respectful way, as used in healthcare and daily conversation.
The standard modern term for dementia, replacing the outdated 痴呆 (ちほう). Used in medical contexts, official documents, and everyday speech.
祖母は認知症と診断されました。
My grandmother was diagnosed with dementia.
認知症のケアは大変です。
Caring for someone with dementia is challenging.
Literally 'cognitive impairment,' a broader term that can include dementia but also milder forms. Used in medical contexts.
加齢による認知障害がみられる。
Age-related cognitive impairment is observed.
To understand the historical term that corresponds directly to 'senile dementia' but is now considered offensive.
This is the direct equivalent of 'senile dementia' but is now considered derogatory and has been officially replaced by 認知症. Avoid using this term.
Do not use this term; it is stigmatizing and outdated. Use 認知症 instead.
痴呆という言葉はもう使わないでください。
Please don't use the word 'chiho' anymore.
To refer to specific medical diagnoses that fall under dementia.
Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia.
父はアルツハイマー型認知症です。
My father has Alzheimer's disease.
Vascular dementia, caused by reduced blood flow to the brain.
血管性認知症は脳卒中後に起こることがあります。
Vascular dementia can occur after a stroke.
To describe common symptoms or behaviors associated with dementia.
Severe forgetfulness, a common early sign of dementia.
最近、母は物忘れがひどくなってきた。
Recently, my mother has become very forgetful.
To wander, a behavior often seen in dementia patients.
認知症の高齢者が徘徊して行方不明になることがある。
Elderly people with dementia sometimes wander and go missing.
Delirium, an acute confusional state that can occur in dementia.
To discuss caregiving, support services, and daily life with dementia.
Nursing care, often used in the context of elderly care including dementia.
認知症の介護は家族にとって大きな負担です。
Caring for a person with dementia is a heavy burden on the family.
Dementia supporter, a person trained to understand and help people with dementia in the community.
認知症サポーター養成講座を受講しました。
I took a dementia supporter training course.
The word 痴呆 (ちほう) was the standard term for 'senile dementia' until it was officially replaced in 2004 due to its derogatory connotations. Using it today can cause offense. Always use 認知症 (にんちしょう) instead.
痴呆ではなく、認知症と言ってください。
Please say 'ninchisho,' not 'chiho.'
While 物忘れ (ものわすれ) means 'forgetfulness,' it does not necessarily indicate dementia. 認知症 is a clinical diagnosis involving significant cognitive decline that interferes with daily life. Use 物忘れ for ordinary forgetfulness and 認知症 for the medical condition.
年のせいで物忘れが多くなったが、認知症ではない。
I've become more forgetful with age, but it's not dementia.
彼女は認知症の症状が出ています。
She is showing signs of dementia.
Dementia with Lewy bodies, characterized by protein deposits in the brain.
レビー小体型認知症では幻視がよくみられます。
Visual hallucinations are common in dementia with Lewy bodies.
入院中にせん妄が出ることがあります。
Delirium can occur during hospitalization.
Day service, a community-based care service for elderly people, including those with dementia.
母は週に3回デイサービスに通っています。
My mother goes to day service three times a week.