Korsakoff's syndrome
Korsakoff's Syndrome
Korsakoff's Syndrome (pronounced kor-sa-kovz sin-drohm) is a chronic memory disorder primarily caused by vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency, typically associated with chronic alcohol misuse. It is characterized by amnesia, confabulation, and attention deficit.
Etymology
The syndrome is named after Sergei Korsakoff, a Russian neuropsychiatrist who discovered the syndrome during the late 19th century.
Symptoms
The primary symptoms of Korsakoff's Syndrome include amnesia, particularly memory loss and the inability to form new memories, confabulation (making up stories), and attention deficit. Other symptoms may include hallucinations and general apathy.
Causes
Korsakoff's Syndrome is most commonly caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine), which is often associated with chronic alcohol misuse. However, it can also be caused by malnutrition, eating disorders, and certain medical conditions that interfere with the absorption of nutrients.
Treatment
Treatment for Korsakoff's Syndrome typically involves supplementation of vitamin B1 (thiamine) to prevent further brain damage, along with other treatments aimed at improving memory and cognitive function. This may include cognitive rehabilitation, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Related Terms
- Wernicke's encephalopathy: A severe, life-threatening brain disorder caused by thiamine deficiency. It often precedes Korsakoff's Syndrome and the two conditions together are known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
- Amnesia: A general term for memory loss, which is a primary symptom of Korsakoff's Syndrome.
- Confabulation: The act of creating imaginary experiences to fill gaps in memory, often seen in patients with Korsakoff's Syndrome.
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): A vital nutrient whose deficiency is the primary cause of Korsakoff's Syndrome.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Korsakoff's syndrome
- Wikipedia's article - Korsakoff's syndrome
This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski