Korsakoff s syndrome

Korsakoff s syndrome A dementia commonly associated with chronic alcohol misuse. 

Wernicke s encephalopathy A neurological condition characterised by visual disturbances, motor dysfunction and confusion which, like Korsakoff s syndrome, is commonly associated with long-term alcohol misuse. 

Inadequate nutrition and conditions which are complicated by malabsorption may lead to thiamine deficiency. Beriberi, a diet-deficiency disease, is especially prevalent in those parts of the East where the diet consists mainly of polished rice. The disease is characterized by neuritis but may also lead to serious heart failure. Recovery is prompt when adequate amounts of vitamin B1 are restored to the diet. Severe deficiency as can occur in alcoholics may lead to Wernicke s encephalopathy, often accompanied by Korsakoff s syndrome. Care should be taken with intravenous substitution with thiamine in these cases to prevent serious complications like vascular collapse with hypotension, respiratory distress or an-gioedema. 

Joyce D, Hurwitz HMB Avoidance behaviour in the rat after 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) administration. Psychopharmacologia 5 424-430, 1964 Joyce EM The neurochemistry of Korsakoff s syndrome, in Cognitive Neurochemistry. Edited by Stahl SM, Iversen SD, Goodman EC. Oxford, England, Oxford Science Publications, 1987, pp 327-345 Judd EK, Chua P, Lynch C, et al Eenfluramine augmentation of clomipramine treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 25 412-414, 1991 Judge R, Steiner M The long-term efficacy and safety of paroxetine in panic disorder. 

It is indicated in wet beriberi, dry beriberi, Wernicke s encephalopathy, prophylaxis of thiamine deficiency, hyperemesis gravidarum, Korsakoff s syndrome, chronic alcoholics, multiple neuritis, toxic and confusional states, delirium tremens and anorexia nervosa. 

Homewood J and Bond NW (1999) Thiamin deficiency and Korsakoff s syndrome failure to find memory impairments following nonalcoholic Wernicke s encephalopathy. Alcohol 19, 75-84. 

Korsakoff s syndrome Krebs cycle Kuiper belt objects Kuru... 

A chronic effect of alcohol use is impaired memory and other cognitive functions. Some of these effects are virtually reversible with abstinence from alcohol. However, when there is structural damage to the brain, as in Korsakoff s syndrome, the effects are permanent. 

Cognitive Delirium, dementia, confusion, Korsakoff s syndrome, poor memory... 

Chronic alcoholism produces pathologic changes such as chronic gastritis, cirrhosis of the Uver, alcoholic cardiomyopathy, Korsakoff s syndrome, bloatedness, flabby muscles, fine tremors, impaired physical capacity and stamina, diminished will power, and impaired memory. Accompanying malnutrition may contribute to alcohol-induced tissue injury. 

Victor et al (1989), in classic studies, followed 186 alcoholic patients with Wernicke s encephalopathy for up to ten years and documented that 84% developed Korsakoff s syndrome. A subsequent study of 32 alcoholic patients followed for a period of 33 months showed the rate of progression to KP to be 56% (Wood et al, 1984). PuU recovery from Korsakoff s psychosis occured in only 20% the majority of KP patients required some level of supervision and social support (Reuler et al, 1985 Chamess, 2006). 

Korsakoff s syndrome is a severe, typically permanent neurological disorder characterized by anterograde amnesia that results from untreated thiamine deficiency. 

Formally assess cognition. Cognitive impairment may need a neuropsychiatric referral, package of care or specialist placement, e.g. if Korsakoff s syndrome fTahle 40.11. 

Alcoholism. Alcoholics make up abrout 10% of the first admissions to psychiatric wards. They possess some of the same symptoms noted in thiamin deficiency, and indeed respond to thiamin therapy. Often Korsakoff s syndrome— confusion, confabulation, fear, impaired learning, delirium— is associated with alcoholism. Vitamin therapy helps to restore the individual s attentiveness, alertness, and responsiveness. 

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