Korsakoff Syndrome
What is Korsakoff Syndrome?
Korsakoff syndrome is a chronic memory disorder caused by a severe deficiency of thiamine (Vitamin B1). Thiamine aids brain cells in producing energy from sugar. When the level of thiamine becomes very low, brain cells do not have enough energy resources to function properly. Korsakoff syndrome causes difficulty in learning new information, remembering recent events and affects long-term memory. The most common cause is chronic alcohol abuse. It can also be caused by other factors such as prolonged vomiting, eating disorders, cancer chemotherapy, chronic infections and even AIDS.
Korsakoff syndrome is often associated with (or preceded by) an episode of Wernicke encephalopathy. This is an acute brain reaction to a severe lack of thiamine. Wernicke encephalopathy is a medical emergency that causes life-threatening brain dysfunction, confusion, staggering and stumbling, lack of coordination, and abnormal involuntary eye movements.
Since the chronic memory loss of Korsakoff syndrome has been found to follow an episode of Wernicke encephalopathy, the condition is sometimes known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Korsakoff syndrome can also develop in individuals who have not had a prior episode of Wernicke encephalopathy.
What are the symptoms?
Korsakoff syndrome affects the ability to learn new information, remember recent events and causes long-term memory gaps. Memory challenges can be the most prominent symptom, while other thinking and social skills might remain relatively unaffected. For example, individuals may be able to carry on a conversation, but moments later have difficulty recalling the conversation.
People living with Korsakoff syndrome may "confabulate," or invent events to fill the gaps in their memory. This differs significantly from telling falsehoods or lying. The person may genuinely believe their invented explanations. For instance, a person who has been in the hospital for several weeks may speak convincingly about having just visited a family member’s house earlier that day. This is more common in the early stages of the illness. Scientists don't yet fully understand why Korsakoff syndrome may cause confabulation.
Causes and risks
How is it diagnosed?
What kind of treatment is available?
Source: www.alz.org
This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any type of dementia or its symptoms. Any mention of pharmaceutical interventions or treatments is not an endorsement by the Alzheimer Society of Calgary. This information is apt to change at any time without notice. For medical advice, please contact your physician
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