Korsakoff's syndrome: n. "a condition caused by prolonged deficiency of vitamin B-1," resulting in retrograde and anterograde amnesia
Definition from Introduction to Psychology, by James Kalat
Korsakoff's syndrome is a memory disorder that is caused by thiamine (Vitamin B-1) deficiency and/or poor nutrition. It is most commonly associated with alcohol misuse, although the reason why some alcoholics develop thiamine deficiency whereas others do not remains unclear. A person with Korsakoff's syndrome has both retrograde and anterograde amnesia, meaning that they have problems retrieving past memories and experience difficulties learning and retaining new information. However, their implicit memory (verbal and spatial memory, as well as memory of how to do things) remains intact. Because those with Korsakoff's experience gaps in their memory, they often confabulate or make up what they cannot recall. However, they do not perceive what they do as lying.
Thiamine deficiency has been shown to disrupt certain biochemicals that play a role in encoding and retrieving memories, and these disruptions destroy brain cells. At the moment, Korsakoff's syndrome cannot be diagnosed with lab tests or brain scans. Treatment for Korsakoff's includes oral supplements of thiamine, proper nutrition, and hydration; patients also go through memory rehabilitation so that they use parts of their memory that still function. Korsakoff's syndrome is most easily prevented by avoiding Vitamin B-1 deficiency that comes from prolonged alcohol abuse, malnutrition and eating disorders.
References:
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Thiamine deficiency has been shown to disrupt certain biochemicals that play a role in encoding and retrieving memories, and these disruptions destroy brain cells. At the moment, Korsakoff's syndrome cannot be diagnosed with lab tests or brain scans. Treatment for Korsakoff's includes oral supplements of thiamine, proper nutrition, and hydration; patients also go through memory rehabilitation so that they use parts of their memory that still function. Korsakoff's syndrome is most easily prevented by avoiding Vitamin B-1 deficiency that comes from prolonged alcohol abuse, malnutrition and eating disorders.
References:
- Alzheimer's Association. (2013). Korsakoff Syndrome. Retrieved February 13, 2013, from http://www.alz.org/dementia/wernicke-korsakoff-syndrome-symptoms.asp.
- Kalat, J. W. (2011). Introduction to Psychology. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
- Komatsu, S., Mimura, M., Kato, M., Wakamatsu, N. & Kashima, H. “Errorless and effortful processes involved in the learning of face-name associations by patients with alcoholic Korsakoff’s Syndrome.” (2000). Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 10(2), 113-132. doi: 10.1080/096020100389200
- Kopelman, M. D., Thomson, A. D., Guerrini, I., & Marshall, E. J. (2009). The Korsakoff syndrome: Clinical aspects, psychology and treatment. Alcohol and Alcoholism, 44(2), p. 148-154.
Photo Credit:
http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mbfnqkO4eK1r8gvxq.jpg