![]() Most cases of Korsakoff syndrome result from alcohol misuse. Researchers have identified several genetic variations that may increase susceptibility to Korsakoff syndrome. These disruptions destroy brain cells and cause widespread microscopic bleeding and scar tissue. Research has shown that severe thiamine deficiency disrupts several biochemicals that play key roles in carrying signals among brain cells and in storing and retrieving memories. Scientists don't yet know exactly how Korsakoff syndrome damages the brain. Like more common types of dementia, it may be underdiagnosed. It’s widely considered less common than Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies. Scientists don’t know exactly how many people have Korsakoff syndrome. But Korsakoff syndrome can also develop in individuals who have not had a prior episode of Wernicke encephalopathy. Wernicke encephalopathy is a medical emergency that causes life-threatening brain disruption, confusion, staggering and stumbling, lack of coordination, and abnormal involuntary eye movements.īecause the chronic memory loss of Korsakoff syndrome often follows an episode of Wernicke encephalopathy, the chronic disorder is sometimes known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Korsakoff syndrome is often - but not always - preceded by an episode of Wernicke encephalopathy, which is an acute brain reaction to severe lack of thiamine. Head injuries sustained when inebriated.Alcohol-related cerebrovascular disease.The biological stress of repeated intoxication and withdrawal.The direct toxic effects of alcohol on brain cells.Alcohol misuse also may lead to brain damage through: ![]() Korsakoff syndrome and its associated thiamine deficiency is not the only mechanism through which heavy drinking may contribute to chronic thinking changes and cognitive decline. ![]()
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