Key Takeaways:
- Al Capone likely contracted syphilis in his early 20s but left it untreated, leading to neurosyphilis and severe cognitive decline later in life.
- He became one of the first civilians to receive penicillin for syphilis, but treatment came too late to reverse the damage.
- Capone’s final years were marked by mental deterioration and physical decline, and he died in 1947 from complications worsened by untreated syphilis.
- His medical records reveal the full extent of his condition and provide a rare look into the personal downfall of one of America’s most infamous gangsters.
Syphilis rates have been on the rise across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, syphilis cases reached 209,253 (all stages) in 2023. What is unusual about this statistic is that syphilis was nearly eliminated in the U.S. only a few decades ago when penicillin was discovered. This bacterial STD can cause long-term complications and possible death if not treated correctly. Symptoms in adults are divided into stages: primary, secondary, latent, and late syphilis. It is spread through contact with a syphilitic sore or through anal, oral, or vaginal sex. Before the discovery of antibiotics, many people died from syphilis. One person who died right when the drug was being developed was famous gangster Al Capone, who died after struggling with syphilis-related brain inflammation and other complications.
Alphonse Gabriel Capone, more commonly known as Al “Scarface” Capone, was a gangster who led a crime syndicate dedicated to the illegal traffic of alcoholic beverages during the time of prohibition in the 1920s-30s. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Capone began his career as a criminal before moving to Chicago and becoming the crime boss of his own organization known as the Chicago Outfit. He grew to notoriety on the “Public Enemies List” and was infamous as one of the most violent men of his day. He was known for income tax fraud and was arrested and convicted of tax evasion in 1932.
He was sent to the famous Alcatraz Island prison in the San Francisco Bay and was released in November 1939. At that point, he underwent several months of treatment for syphilis in Baltimore. Afterward, Capone spent much of his time out of the public spotlight, resting at his Palm Island, Florida, mansion. He became one of the first civilians to receive penicillin for syphilis, although it was too late to cure him. He died of a stroke in 1947. When Al Capone died, it was ultimately due to bronchial pneumonia and cardiac arrest, exacerbated by his severe health decline from untreated syphilis.
In his lifetime, he was a legend, and that iconic status has only grown since Al Capone’s death. He was a violent criminal and a titan of the Depression Era. For most of his life, Capone seemed untouchable, but even the power of this man could not prevent a fall from grace at the hands of an STD.
If left untreated, syphilis can develop into more advanced stages that can eventually lead to death or other major health concerns. The best way to determine a syphilis infection, or simply know the current status of your sexual health, is to have STD testing performed.
Al Capone’s Rise to Power
Al Capone’s rise to power began in the 1920s, during the Prohibition era in the United States. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on January 17, 1899, Capone moved to Chicago in his early 20s and quickly became involved in organized crime. He worked for Johnny Torrio, a notorious gangster, and eventually became a trusted lieutenant. After Torrio’s retirement, Capone took over the reins and expanded the gang’s operations, becoming one of the most powerful and feared gangsters in Chicago.
Capone’s success was largely due to his cunning and ruthlessness. He was known for his brutal tactics, including murder and intimidation, and was feared by his enemies and respected by his peers. He also had a charismatic personality and was known for his stylish suits and lavish spending. Capone’s rise to power was marked by violence and bloodshed, but he was also a shrewd businessman and was able to build a vast empire through his criminal activities.
The Devastating Effects of Syphilis
Al Capone contracted syphilis in his early 20s, likely from a prostitute at a brothel in Chicago. At the time, syphilis was a highly treatable infection, but Capone chose to leave it untreated, which led to his untimely demise. Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can cause a range of symptoms, including a painless sore or chancre, a rash, and flu-like symptoms. If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious health complications, including damage to the liver, heart, and brain.
Capone’s syphilis progressed to neurosyphilis, a complication of syphilis that affects the central and peripheral nervous system. This caused significant cognitive decline, and his mental age was estimated to be around 12 years old at the time of Al Capone’s Death. Neurosyphilis can cause a range of symptoms, including personality changes, memory loss, and difficulty with speech and movement. Capone’s syphilis diagnosis was a major factor in his decline and eventual death.
Final Years and Death
Al Capone’s final years were marked by significant physical and mental decline. He was released from Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary in 1939 due to his poor health and spent the remainder of his life in a Miami Beach mansion. Capone’s syphilis had progressed to the point where he was unable to care for himself, and he was largely bedridden.
Al Capone died from complications of syphilis, including a stroke and bronchial pneumonia. He died on January 25, 1947, at the age of 48, due to cardiac arrest caused by bronchial pneumonia. Al Capone’s death was a tragic end to a life marked by violence, crime, and excess.
Medical Records Reveal the Truth
Al Capone’s medical records reveal the devastating effects of syphilis on his physical and mental health. The records, obtained by DailyMail.com, detail Capone’s mental collapse and his inability to regain a mental age of more than 14. The records also reveal that Capone’s wife, Mae, refused to accept his condition and believed he could recover.
The medical records also reveal that Capone’s doctors suggested several measures to keep him out of trouble, including avoiding public contact, working with his brother Ralph, and developing a flower or vegetable garden. A plan to insert a male nurse disguised as a chauffeur was also considered to prevent public outbursts.
Capone’s medical records provide a unique insight into the life and death of one of America’s most notorious gangsters. They reveal the devastating effects of syphilis on his physical and mental health and provide a tragic end to a life marked by violence, crime, and excess.
FAQs
Did Al Capone’s wife also have syphilis?
There is no concrete evidence to suggest that Mae Capone, Al Capone’s wife, contracted syphilis from him. While Al Capone suffered from the devastating effects of untreated syphilis, Mae remained by his side throughout Capone’s life. Historical records do not indicate that she exhibited symptoms or received treatment for the disease. It is possible that Mae did not contract syphilis, or if she did, it remained latent or was treated effectively.
What Famous People Died from Syphilis?
Syphilis has claimed the lives of several notable figures throughout history, not just infamous gangsters like Al Capone. One of the most famous individuals believed to have died from syphilis is the renowned composer Ludwig van Beethoven. The disease is also suspected to have contributed to the demise of the famous poet Charles Baudelaire and the influential writer Oscar Wilde. These historical figures, much like Capone, suffered the severe consequences of untreated syphilis during times when effective treatments were unavailable or not widely used.
Did Capone Know He Had Syphilis?
It is widely believed that Al Capone was aware of his syphilis diagnosis. However, during the early stages of the disease, he chose to ignore it, likely due to the stigma associated with venereal diseases at the time. Capone’s decision to leave the syphilis untreated was a critical mistake, as the infection progressed and ultimately led to severe health complications. By the time he sought treatment, the damage to his nervous system and brain was irreversible. His awareness of the condition did not translate into timely medical intervention, which contributed significantly to his physical and mental decline.
How Did Al Capone Get Those Scars?
Famously known as “Scarface,” Al Capone got his distinctive facial scars from a violent altercation in his youth. While working as a bouncer at the Harvard Inn, a bar in Brooklyn, Capone made an inappropriate remark to a woman. Her brother, Frank Galluccio, took offense and attacked Capone with a knife, slashing his face. This incident left Capone with the scars that would become a part of his notorious image. Despite his initial embarrassment about the scars, Capone eventually embraced the “Scarface” nickname, which added to his fearsome reputation as a crime boss.
Sources
CDC – STI Infections. https://www.cdc.gov/sti/index.html
Chicago Mobster Al Capone – History Channel Biography.https://www.history.com/articles/history-lists/8-things-you-should-know-about-al-capone
CDC – Syphilis Rates. https://www.cdc.gov/sti-statistics/data-vis/table-syph-total-state-abc.html