Memory Loss
One of the most common symptoms of syphilis is memory loss, though it is often mistaken for Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that can be passed from an infected mother to her baby at birth. It is caused by the spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum and can damage body organs such as the brain, nerves, bones, and eyes.
The symptoms of this infection are often overlooked because they mimic other diseases. For example, memory loss is a rare symptom affecting people differently. Some patients experience mild forgetfulness, while others suffer from severe memory loss, making it difficult to remember their names.
Many people don’t realize that memory loss can be a symptom of syphilis. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, up to three-quarters of all people with syphilis experience some kind of memory loss, including a “general feeling of being unable to concentrate.”
