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Korsakoff Syndrome is a neuropsychiatric condition usually
related to chronic alcohol misuse. Its direct cause
is a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1). The main characteristic
of this syndrome is short-term memory loss but with
relative preservation of other intellectual functions.
This condition is often preceded by the onset of an
acute phase called Wernicke’s encephalopathy (Korsakoff
is the chronic effect) and the condition is often referred
to as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. In the acute (Wernicke’s)
stage high doses of parenteral thiamine must be administered
urgently if irreversible brain damage is to be avoided.
This damage can lead to a mortality rate of 17%-20%.
85% of survivors will go on to develop Korsakoff syndrome.
There is a commonly held view that Korsakoff syndrome,
like dementia, is a deteriorating condition. However,
providing that the person abstains from alcohol and
continues taking thiamine (usually administered orally
as a prophylactic measure) then there should be no further
deterioration.
It is also a commonly held view that Korsakoff syndrome
is a static condition and that can be no improvement
in the person’s condition. This again is a mistaken
belief.
There is evidence that, given appropriate assessment
and rehabilitation, significant recovery is possible
in many people with this diagnosis. It is important
that long term, lifestyle plans should not be made before
a process of rehabilitation has begun or too late after
the potential for further recovery has ended.
Penumbra provides a Korsakoff Support Service see:
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