Korsakoff syndrome: An overlook (Review)

Popa,Ionuţ; Rădulescu,Ioana; Drăgoi,Ana Miruna; Trifu,Simona; Cristea,Mihai Bogdan

doi:10.3892/etm.2021.10566

Korsakoff syndrome: An overlook (Review)

Authors:
- Ionuţ Popa
- Ioana Rădulescu
- Ana Miruna Drăgoi
- Simona Trifu
- Mihai Bogdan Cristea
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Affiliations: Department of Psychiatry, ‘Prof. Dr. Alex. Obregia’ Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania, Department of Morphological Sciences, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
Published online on: August 5, 2021 https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2021.10566
Article Number: 1132
Copyright: © Popa et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

This review aimed to analyze the latest neurobiological findings regarding Korsakoff syndrome, since alcoholism is the most prevalent addiction worldwide. In addition, we analyzed the optimal treatment that can be administered in order to minimize the symptoms and improve the outcome of these patients. The disruption of memory circuits within the brain of alcoholic patients results in the amnestic syndrome known as Korsakoff syndrome. It is generally characterized by a chronic neuropsychiatric syndrome caused by vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency. Other categories of patients can develop Korsakoff syndrome without consuming alcohol such as AIDS patients, terminally ill cancer patients, or patients with chronic infections and malnutrition. Vitamin B1 is required in the Krebs cycle for production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). It is also a cofactor in the production of acetylcholine and certain neurotransmitters. Alcohol consumption can decrease the intake, gastrointestinal absorption and cellular utilization of vitamin B1. Treatment of alcohol withdrawal along with high doses of vitamin B1 can improve the general outcome of patients. A small percentage of patients can recover from Wernicke's encephalopathy with no permanent brain damage. The onset of Korsakoff syndrome darkens the prognosis. Alcohol abstinence is an absolute recommendation and prevents the extension of neural damage.

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