Definition of Senile chorea

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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).

Last Editorial Review: 6/22/2004

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