Insanity due to syphilis has, in many cases, characteristics which though not easy to describe, are indicative of a specific origin. There is however a small proportion of syphilitic insanity that is represented by the usual forms of mental disorder.

Can syphilis cause mental disorders?

Thirty percent of untreated syphilis patients develop neurosyphilis (NS). Syphilitic infection of the central nervous system can occur early or late in the course of the disease. NS mimics many other medical and neuropsychiatric disorders, including personality disorders, psychosis, and dementia.

Does syphilis destroy the mind?

Complications of treatment

Eventually, untreated syphilis can lead to damage to the brain, eyes, heart, nerves, bones, joints, and liver. You could also become paralyzed, blind, demented, or lose feeling in the body.