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About Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a two-stage brain disorder
caused by a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B-1). Thiamine
helps brain cells produce energy from sugar. When levels of
the vitamin are too low, cells are unable to generate enough
energy to function properly.
Wernicke encephalopathy is the first, acute phase and Korsakoff
psychosis is the long-lasting, chronic stage. The most common
cause is alcoholism, but the syndrome can also be associated
with AIDS, cancers that have spread through the body, very
high levels of thyroid hormone, and certain other conditions.
Symptoms
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Confusion, permanent gaps in memory and problems with
learning new information.
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Individuals may have a tendency to “confabulate,
“ or make up information they can’t remember;
they are not “lying,” but may actually believe
the invented explanation.
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Unsteadiness, muscle weakness and lack of coordination.
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Recent research suggests a genetic variation called
APOE-e4 may be associated with a higher risk of Wernicke-Korsakoff
in individuals who drink heavily. APOE-e4 is also linked
to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Treatment
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If the condition is caught early and drinking stops,
treatment with high-dose thiamine may reverse some, but
usually not all, of the damage.
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In later stages, damage is more severe and does not
respond to treatment.
Vision statement
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