Korsakov's syndrome is a serious brain disorder that results from years of excessive alcohol consumption in combination with poor or irregular nutrition, causing a deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine). Memory disorders are the main feature of the disease. People suffering from the syndrome are often not very aware of their disease.
Cause
Due to prolonged alcohol consumption combined with an inadequate diet, the liver suffers so much damage that it can no longer convert the vitamin B1. This vitamin is needed in all tissues and converts carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy. A malfunction in this process causes damage to certain parts of the brain.
The condition is sometimes preceded by Wernicke's disease, a neurological disorder that develops acutely and is also the result of years of alcohol abuse and poor nutrition. As a result, the patient is confused and suffers from, among other things, gait disorders and eye muscle paralysis. He must then receive proper nutrition and thiamine injections as soon as possible, otherwise the disease is life-threatening.
Symptoms
The main feature of Korsakov is memory loss. One can only store new information for five to ten minutes, but then it disappears again. Gaps in the memory may be subconsciously filled with fabrications: the so-called "confabulations". But unlike dementia, Korsakov does not affect intellectual ability, and the damage is limited to short-term memory. Nor is Korsakov's disease progressive: the brain damage that has occurred is not reversible, but also does not increase.
In addition to memory problems, problems can arise in other areas:
- Coordination disorders: movements are less fluid. Also, a Korsakov patient has difficulty estimating distance, and maintaining his balance.
- Behavioral changes: loss of interests is a striking phenomenon in individuals with Korsakov.
- Emotional changes: these can be expressed in mood swings, easy to panic and a general feeling of anxiety.
- No longer have a sense of time and space: because someone with Korsakov often does not know where he is, he can quickly get lost. Also giving a time indication of the day, month or even the year can be difficult.
Treatment
Korsakov is diagnosed by a psychiatrist and/or neurologist. A first treatment step is always to stop drinking alcohol. As a result, there may be an improvement in symptoms for a limited group. Good body care, vitamin supplements, reality and orientation training and physiotherapy are also important. However, the syndrome cannot be cured. However, through psychosocial treatments one can learn to deal with the condition, train useful routines and process the loss.
Those who are at an advanced stage of Korsakov can usually no longer continue to live independently. In exceptional cases, one can go to a residential and care center, although age limits often apply there. Patients can also be taken care of in a sheltered living project or a psychiatric nursing home.
