Korsakoff's syndrome is a neurological disorder caused by thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency, most commonly seen in chronic alcoholics. It damages areas of the brain involved with memory formation. Symptoms include anterograde amnesia (inability to form new memories), retrograde amnesia (loss of existing memories), confabulation (recalling imaginary events), and confusion. Treatment focuses on thiamine supplementation through injections or orally, stopping alcohol use, and a nutritious diet to prevent further damage and support recovery.

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Korsakoff’s Syndrome (Korsakoff’s Psychosis)
Definition
Korsakoff’s syndrome is a condition that mainly affects chronic alcoholics. It is also
called Korsakov’s syndrome, Korsakoff’s psychosis or amnesic-confabulatory syndrome.
It is a brain or neurological disorder caused by thiamine or Vitamin B1 deficiency. The
syndrome is named after Sergie Korsakoff, a neuropsychiatrist who popularized the
theory.
Causes
1. Chronic Alcoholism. This syndrome is due
to the direct effects of alcohol or to the severe
nutritional deficiencies that are associated
with chronic alcoholism. A lack of Vitamin
B1 is common in people with alcoholism
thus, Vitamin B deficiency is noted. In
chronic alcoholism the condition usually
occurs following delirium tremens.
2. Malabsorption. It is also common in persons
whose bodies do not absorb food properly
(malabsorption).
3. Other severe brain disturbances. The
syndrome also occurs in other severe brain
disturbances such as paralysis, dementia, brain damage, infections and poisonings.
4. Dietary deficiencies
5. Prolonged vomiting
6. Eating disorders
7. Effects of chemotherapy
8. Hyperemesis gravidarum
9. Severe malnutrition. Alcoholism may be an indicator of poor nutrition, which in
addition to inflammation of the stomach lining causes thiamine deficiency.
Disease Process
A deficiency of thiamine or Vitamin B causes damage to the medial thalamus and to the
mammillary bodies of the hypothalamus. As a result, generalized cerebral atrophy may
occur. In cases where Wernicke’s encephalopathy, a neurological disorder that causes

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brain damage in lower parts of the brain called the thalamus and hypothalamus,
accompanies Korsakoff’s syndrome the disorder is called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
In most cases, Korsakoff syndrome, or Korsakoff psychosis, tends to develop as
Wernicke’s symptoms go away. It results from damage to areas of the brain involved
with memory, thus, Korsakoff’s syndrome involves:
Neuronal loss or damage to neurons
Gliosis, which is a result of injury to the supporting cells of the central nervous
system.
Hemorrhage or bleeding of the mammilary bodies.
Signs and Symptoms
1. Anterograde amnesia or the inability to form new memories
2. Retrograde amnesia or the loss of memory (can be severe)
3. Confabulation or the reciting of imaginary experiences.
4. Lack of insight
5. Apathy or the absence of interest in or concern about emotional, social, or physical
life
6. Hallucinations or seeing and hearing things are not really present
7. Delirium
8. Anxiety
9. Fear
10.Depression
11.Confusion
12.Delusions and insomnia
13.Painful extremities
Treatment
1. Thiamine by injection into a vein or a muscle or by mouth. Usually, thiamine does
not improve loss of memory and intellect that occur with Korsakoff’s psychosis.
However it may improve symptoms such as delirium or confusion.
2. Stopping alcohol use to prevent additional loss of brain function and damage to
the nerves.
3. Eating a well balanced and nourishing diet with increase intake of foods
containing Vitamin B1.