general paresis

noun

: syphilis of the central nervous system that is characterized by memory loss, muscle weakness, progressive dementia, seizures, and paralysis

Examples of general paresis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is not entirely ridiculous—in 1913 a mental illness known as general paresis of the insane was confirmed as being caused by syphilis—but the history of modern medicine and psychiatry has taught us that these examples are the exception rather than the rule. —Vaughan Bell, Discover Magazine, 22 May 2012

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

general paresis

noun

: neurosyphilis that is marked by chronic inflammation of the brain and meninges and is characterized by memory loss, muscle weakness, personality changes, progressive dementia, seizures, and generalized paralysis

called also dementia paralytica