Disease with 'hard to spot' symptoms that can cause dementia

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed a rise in cases of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can lead to dementia if not treated. The latest figures show there were 9,535 diagnoses of early-stage syphilis across England in 2024.

This represents a 2% increase from the 9,375 diagnoses recorded in 2023. A UKHSA alert issued earlier this year reads: "Concerningly, the overall figure for syphilis, including late-stage syphilis or complications from the infection, increased 5% from 12,456 in 2023 to 13,030 in 2024."

According to NHS guidelines, untreated syphilis can result in "potentially life-threatening complications". These include heart issues such as heart failure, organ problems, dementia, and other brain-related conditions.

Symptoms of syphilis are "often mild and hard to notice" and can "change over time and may come and go". Key warning signs include painless sores or ulcers on the genitals, mouth, or hands, white or grey warty growths, and rashes on the palms or soles.

Some patients may also experience flu-like symptoms, patchy hair loss, and swollen glands. Symptoms can take three weeks or more to appear following infection.

NHS guidance cautions that whilst symptoms may dramatically improve or disappear entirely in certain cases, "if you have not been treated the infection is still in your body".

Should someone remain infected, they risk transmitting the disease to others while also facing potential serious health complications later on.

People are advised to consult a GP or attend a sexual health clinic if they or a sexual partner displays syphilis symptoms, if a sexual partner has informed them of having syphilis or another STI, or if they've recently engaged in unprotected sex with a new partner.

This guidance also applies if you've used needles for drug injection that may have been shared with someone potentially carrying syphilis, or if you're expecting or planning pregnancy and suspect you might have the infection.

Antibiotics are used to treat syphilis. Should you test positive for syphilis, both current and recent sexual partners will require testing and treatment.