2023-09-04 06:03:52
Title: Korsakoff Syndrome: Alcohol-Related Dementia Raises Concerns
Author: Ulrike Hanninger
Date: 09/04/2023
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Memory problems and confusion are typical symptoms of Korsakoff syndrome. Alcohol is one of the main causes of dementia.
A rare form of dementia that can announce itself years in advance with certain warning signs is the so-called Korsakoff syndrome. It is primarily favored by the consumption of alcohol, which is why it is colloquially called alcohol dementia. The disease usually only becomes apparent after the age of 40.
Dementia: Is Alcohol the Only Cause of Korsakoff Syndrome?
Korsakoff Syndrome is a rare form of dementia that is usually caused by long-term alcohol consumption. Wernicke encephalopathy, which is also a brain disorder, is considered a precursor to Korsakoff syndrome. This expresses infranken.de according to confusion and eye problems caused by thiamine deficiency, i.e. the lack of vitamin B1, which can also lead to muscle pain. If this is not recognized and treated, Korsakoff syndrome develops as a result.
In most cases, the cause is actually alcohol, since long-term consumption is associated with malnutrition, reduced absorption capacity, and thus a pronounced vitamin B1 deficiency msdmanuals.com. This has harmful effects on the human brain.
What is Korsakoff Syndrome?
Korsakoff’s syndrome is a brain disease. The most common symptoms are memory problems. The form of dementia usually develops after years of alcohol consumption. But there are also other pre-existing conditions that seem to favor the occurrence. How netdoktor.de explains, many of the patients have previously undergone, for example, head injuries or inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), where rapid action is crucial.
What are the typical symptoms of dementia?
Symptoms can be loud Online doctor initially turn out to be quite unspecific. Those affected complain about tiredness or headaches, which together with ringing in the ears can also indicate high blood pressure. They are unsteady on their feet and appear very unfocused to those around them. The most common symptoms in the further course are: Confusion Disorders of balance, with dizziness often also being caused by psychological factors Disorientation Disorders of memory / unnatural forgetfulness Uncontrollable eye movements Visual disturbances Trembling Circulatory disorders and fainting spells
Typical of Korsakoff syndrome are primarily memory disorders such as the inability to remember new things. The short-term memory suffers the most. The disorder is therefore also called amnestic syndrome, explained infranken.de. However, long-term memory is also impaired over time.
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In addition, there would be confusion and problems in finding one’s bearings. Because patients often try to hide their mental impairment, they tend to confabulate, adds netdoktor.de. So they make up stories or even outright lies to cover up the memory lapses. In general, a person’s personality changes with dementia.
The further course
The memory problems become loud netdoktor.de increasing as the disease progresses. There is also a loss of sense of time. Tiredness turns into a complete lack of drive, and this is followed by uncontrollable eye movements with visual disturbances and an unsteady gait. The latter are mainly due to Wernicke’s encephalopathy.
Diagnosis and treatment
When making a diagnosis, it helps the doctor to know the exact history of the patient. This is the only way to determine previous illnesses or years of alcohol consumption. Computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to rule out brain diseases. Vitamin B1 deficiency is diagnosed by a blood test, which should also be possible in the future for early detection of dementia. Liver function is also checked frequently, knows msdmanuals.com.
The treatment of the dementia form includes, in addition to strict abstinence from alcohol, whereby abstinence has a very positive effect on the entire body, and the intake of vitamin B1. There is often also special memory training – and many tricks to improve memory – and psychotherapy. The chances of recovery are loud infranken.de but slight, trying to alleviate the symptoms more. Experience has shown that the impairments caused by the form of dementia can no longer be reversed. In rare cases, however, an improvement has already occurred.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment, or medication. In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editorial team cannot answer individual questions about clinical pictures.]
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