31st January 2024

Background

These are both syndromes caused by thiamine deficiency as a side effect of long-term excessive alcohol consumption, which impedes the absorption and storage of consumed thiamine. Wernicke’s encephalopathy is an acute neurological disorder, whereas Korsakoff’s is a neuropsychiatric syndrome. If left untreated, Korsakoff’s syndrome can develop in a patient already diagnosed with Wernicke’s. Other conditions which can cause Korsakoff’s syndrome include AIDS and certain cancers; however, alcohol is recognised as the most common cause of the syndrome to date.

Thiamine is required for effective brain cell biochemical metabolism, particularly pyruvate metabolism – a deficiency of thiamine disrupts these necessary metabolic processes, which can cause neuronal atrophy, scar tissue formation and microscopic haemorrhages, resulting in cognitive impairment.