Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Senile chorea
Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026
Senile chorea: A relatively mild and uncommon disorder that occurs in elderly adults and is characterized by choreic movements.
Chorea refers to rapid complex body movements that look well-coordinated and purposeful but are, in fact, involuntary. Chorea was thought suggestive of a grotesque dance. The term "chorea" is derived from the Greek word "choreia" for dancing (as is choreography).
Senile chorea is believed by some scientists to be caused by a different gene mutation than that responsible for Huntington chorea (Huntington disease).