general paresis [L, genus, kind; Gk, paralysis] , a neurological disorder that results from chronic syphilitic infection. It is characterized by degeneration of the cortical neurons; progressive dementia, tremor, and speech disturbances; muscular weakness; and ultimately generalized paralysis. It is often accompanied by periods of exultation and delusions of grandeur. Treatment usually consists of large doses of penicillin, without which the outcomes are almost invariably progressive deterioration and death. Also called paretic dementia, syphilitic meningoencephalitis.
