Senile plaques are abnormal protein deposits that accumulate in the brain. These plaques are primarily composed of beta-amyloid proteins and are commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease. There are several synonyms for the term senile plaques, including amyloid plaques, neuritic plaques, and amyloid beta deposits. Additionally, some researchers refer to these protein deposits as diffuse plaques or compact plaques, depending on their structure and location in the brain. While these terms may have subtle differences in their definition, they all refer to the same underlying issue of abnormal protein accumulation in the brain and can be used interchangeably in medical settings.