Syphilis, as a sexually transmitted disease, is widely known and is closely related to unclean sexual behavior. More seriously, syphilis can not only exist independently but can also lead to other health problems. Studies suggest an association between this disease and dementia.
The culprit of syphilis is the Treponema pallidum, which is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse. When this pathogen invades the brain, it can trigger neurosyphilis, one manifestation of which is chronic meningitis, characterized by a gradual worsening of the condition, accompanied by personality changes and a gradual decline in cognitive function. From a pathological perspective, the invasion of the brain by Treponema pallidum leads to an inflammatory response, causing the pia mater to become cloudy and thickened, particularly pronounced in the frontal lobe area. The entire cerebral cortex, especially the frontal lobe, shows significant atrophy. Most brain ventricles are expanded, with thickening of the ventricular membranes, and distinctive small granular protrusions can be seen at the base of the fourth ventricle, a characteristic change marking the disease’s progression. These pathological changes result in the degeneration of brain nerve cells, significant cell death, ultimately leading to functional impairment and intellectual decline, forming what is known as paresis dementia.
