What is Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a condition similar to dementia in which the brain is damaged by excessive alcohol intake.
What causes Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome occurs when Wernicke’s encephalopathy is left untreated or not treated quickly enough.
Wernicke’s encephalopathy is caused by a lack of thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, in the brain which leads to intense inflammation.
This is almost always caused by drinking too much alcohol.
What are the symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?
Symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome include:
- Confusion.
- Memory problems – A person with the condition may be less able to form new memories and past memories may also be lost or distorted.
- Difficulty understanding new information or learning new skills.
- Personality changes.
