What is a major symptom of general paresis linked to syphilis infection?

Memory loss is a major symptom of general paresis, which is a late manifestation of syphilis infection affecting the central nervous system. This condition is characterized by progressive neurological deterioration and can present as various cognitive impairments, including changes in memory, personality, and behavior. The damage to the brain's structure due to prolonged syphilis infection leads to these cognitive deficits, making memory loss a prominent symptom in affected individuals.

Headaches, joint pain, and skin rashes, while potentially associated with syphilis or other infections, do not define general paresis. Headaches can occur for various reasons and are not specific to this condition. Joint pain can be related to other forms of syphilis or different conditions entirely. Similarly, skin rash is not a neurological symptom and may relate to early-stage syphilis rather than to the late neurological complications seen in general paresis. Therefore, memory loss specifically highlights the cognitive impairment caused by neurosyphilis, distinguishing it as a key symptom of general paresis.