Korsakoff's Sydrome

FACTS

• A chronic memory disorder caused by lack of thiamine, also called Vitamin B1
• May occur after Wernicke’s encephalopathy – a severe lack of thiamine which generally requires hospitalization
• Slow and usually incomplete improvement in memory function

SYMPTOMS

• Mental confusion, amnesia, confusion, and disorientation
• Vision impairment
• Difficulty learning new information, establishing new memories, and recalling previous memories
• Confabulation – making up things that can’t be remembered
• May have an entire coherent conversation then completely forget that it happened

RISK FACTORS

• Alcohol abuse
• Deficiencies related to poor diet
• Prolonged vomiting
• Chronic infection
• Kidney dialysis
• Recent surgery for obesity
• Widespread cancer in the body
• AIDS

DIAGNOSIS

• Assessment through review of medical history and medications, observations during the appointment, and interviews with family or close friends
• Physical and neurological exam, including memory test and depression screen
• Lab studies, including blood count and glucose, thyroid, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and thiamine levels
• A possible CT scan of the head or an MRI of the brain

TREATMENT

• Thiamine replacement
• Adequate nutrition and hydration