Korsakoff's Syndrome

Korsakoff Syndrome is a memory disorder caused by a lack of vitamin B1 (thiamin). It mainly affects short-term memory. A related disorder, Wernicke's syndrome, often occurs before Korsakoff Syndrome. Because they often occur together, the range of symptoms caused by the two diseases is often called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. The main symptoms of Wernicke's syndrome occur acutely. They include:

• Difficulty with walking and balance
• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Paralysis of some of the eye muscles

In the United States, the most common cause of thiamin deficiency, and therefore Korsakoffs Syndrome is alcoholism. This syndrome can also occur with forms of brain damage such as tumors, head injuries, and strokes. Thiamin is necessary for memory and other brain functions. People who drink a lot of alcohol often replace food with alcohol. As a result, they take in fewer vitamins, leading to vitamin deficiencies. In addition, alcohol increases the body's need for B vitamins while interfering with its ability to absorb, store, and use thiamin. A genetic abnormality may make some people more susceptible to Korsakoffs Syndrome when they drink large amounts of alcohol and consume diets low in vitamins. The direct effects of alcohol on nerves in the brain may also contribute to Korsakoffs Syndrome.

A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or condition.

• Alcoholism
• Genetic susceptibility

The main symptom of Korsakoffs Syndrome is severe memory problems. This is most notable with recent events and new information. Often, people with Korsakoffs syndrome do not know the date or day. However, long-term memory and overall intelligence usually remain intact. To fill in the gaps in recent memory, these patients tend to make up information that fits with the situation. This is called \"confabulation.\" Unlike people with other memory deficiencies, like Alzheimer's disease, Korsakoff patients seem unaware of their problem. Also, they do not typically get worried or concerned when it is pointed out. They also tend to develop emotional changes. These include blandness and little or no response to events around them.

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and assess your mental function. Testing your ability to learn new information is most likely to show if you have Korsakoffs Syndrome. If you are an alcoholic and/or have Wernicke's syndrome, Korsakoffs Syndrome is seriously considered as the cause of your memory problem.

Treatment of Korsakoffs Syndrome involves taking intravenous thiamin and drinking plenty of fluids right away. Because improvement is slow, you must supplement your diet with oral thiamin for many months. If alcoholism is the cause of Korsakoffs Syndrome it needs to be treated.

To reduce your risk of developing Korsakoffs Syndrome:

• Eat a diet with sufficient thiamin. Thiamin is found in pork, peanuts, and wheat germ, among other foods.
• If you are an alcoholic, get treatment for your addiction.

Healthful Habits
Basic healthful practices are the best form of protection from RSV for most people. These include:

• Wash your hands often, especially after touching someone who may have a cold or other RSV infection.
• Avoid touching your face or rubbing your eyes.
• Do not share items such as cups, glasses, silverware, or towels with people who have an RSV infection.

Medicine Medicine may provide short-term protection against RSV infection in children under age two who are at high risk of developing such an infection. These are usually children who were born prematurely or have chronic lung disease.