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Could The Syphilis Be The Reason For The Memory Changes?
I am the power of attourney of care for a 93 year old gentleman who had contracted syphilis way back during his university years. He was treated extensively back then with penicillin for 7 months, he said. In the last year, he has been noticing a change in his memory and is convinced that the syphilis is causing that and would like treatment for it. A couple of years ago his old doctor had given him 3 IM injections of penicillin, but has since retired. HIs new doctor will not treat him again. In your opinion, could it be the syphilis that is causing the memory changes? His latest lab results say Syphilis screen: Reactive, Syphilis RPR screen: non-reactive, Syphilis TP.PA : reactive
Thu, 19 Apr 2018
Hi,
Syphilis is unlikely to be the reason for the memory changes.
The given history and the summary of the syphilis screening tests (RPR 'Non-reactive' and TP-PA 'Reactive') are most consistent with old treated syphilis.
Since your client was given 3 weekly shots of 2.4 million units of Benzathine Penicillin a couple of years ago and he also had received extensive treatment for about 7 months during his university days, syphilis is unlikely to be the cause behind his current memory changes.
He should therefore be evaluated clinically to rule out other causes of memory changes such as senile dementia, Alzheimer disease, or other neurological disorders.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali
Syphilis is unlikely to be the reason for the memory changes.
The given history and the summary of the syphilis screening tests (RPR 'Non-reactive' and TP-PA 'Reactive') are most consistent with old treated syphilis.
Since your client was given 3 weekly shots of 2.4 million units of Benzathine Penicillin a couple of years ago and he also had received extensive treatment for about 7 months during his university days, syphilis is unlikely to be the cause behind his current memory changes.
He should therefore be evaluated clinically to rule out other causes of memory changes such as senile dementia, Alzheimer disease, or other neurological disorders.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali
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