Suspected Neurosyphilis in a Hospitalized Eighty-Year-Old Patient with Dementia

Abstract

Neurosyphilis is a cause of dementia in the geriatric population. This paper presents a case report of suspected active neurosyphilis in an 80-year-old hospitalized patient admitted for new onset personality change and declining cognitive function. A review of symptoms, physical findings, serological tests, cerebrospinal fluid results, and treatment of neurosyphilis are included. Finally, the authors emphasize that the serum venereal disease research laboratory test (VDRL) and fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption test (FTA-ABS) must be performed routinely in all patients evaluated for dementia. Lumbar puncture is indicated for these patients who have a reactive FTA-ABS along with a high index of suspicion for active neurosyphilis.