One neurodegenerative disorder that doesn’t seem to get much attention is Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome. Despite this, it is one of the top ten most common neurodegenerative disorders in the world and here in the United States.
What is Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome?
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is a chronic memory disorder caused by a severe deficiency in thiamine or vitamin B-1. It is most commonly caused by long-term alcohol misuse. Other causes of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome include AIDs, certain types of cancer, chronic infections, poor nutrition, malabsorption and sometimes it occurs after bariatric surgery.
The “Wernicke” part of the disorder relates to an episode of encephalopathy or an acute brain reaction to a severe lack of vitamin B-1 and the “Korsakoff” portion refers to an amnestic issue meaning an inability to learn new information and problems recalling things from the past. The disorder is named after Sergei Korsakoff, the Russian neuropsychiatrist who discovered it in the late 1800s.
Causes
It is still largely unknown how this disorder damages the brain. What is known is that severe thiamine deficiency disrupts biochemicals responsible for storing and retrieving memories. Brain disruptions include destruction of brain cells, microscopic bleeding and scar tissue. Some researchers believe it may be genetic to a degree. It does appear that nutrition is a risk factor as is excessive alcohol misuse and overuse.
Korsakoff Syndrome may be associated with other non-alcohol-related disorders including anorexia, stringent dieting, fasting, starvation, weight-loss surgery, uncontrolled vomiting, AIDs, kidney dialysis, chronic infection, and various spreading cancers.
Symptoms
While many symptoms may be a part of the clinical picture, there are a few that are commonly seen. One of the most typical is the inability to learn novel or new information. Another is the inability to recall recent events. Long-term memory gaps, confabulation (making up stories) and hallucinations are also common symptoms with the disorder.
Treatment
There is good news and bad news concerning the treatment of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome. When it is treated, up to 25% of people recover, 50% improve, and 25% go unchanged and don’t necessarily get worse. The bad news is when it goes unnoticed and untreated around 20% of people will die. Around 85% of people with Wernicke disorder will advance to Korsakoff Syndrome.
The main forms of treatment are thiamine supplements and injectable thiamine. Magnesium is also used in treatment. There is no specific medication for the disorder, but other psychotropic drugs can be used to treat co-occurring conditions like depression or insomnia.
Take Away
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is one of the top ten neurodegenerative disorders, but seems to get little attention. It is due mostly to the overconsumption of alcohol over long periods of time. Is it possible that if alcoholism rises due to certain societal or global problems, there may be an increase in this disorder?