Final answer:
General paresis is caused by neurosyphilis, which is a bacterial infection of the central nervous system resulting from untreated syphilis.
Step-by-step explanation:
From the history of identifying the causes of general paresis, we have learned that it is caused by neurosyphilis, which is a bacterial infection of the central nervous system that stems from the progression of untreated syphilis. Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. General paresis is one of the manifestations of neurosyphilis, resulting in cognitive decline, mood changes, and physical symptoms such as paralysis. The discovery of the bacterial cause of syphilis and its neurological complications was a significant milestone in medical history, highlighting the importance of identifying and treating bacterial infections to prevent long-term neurological damage.