Korsakoff’s Syndrome
Korsakoff’s syndrome also
known as Wernicke-Korsakoff’s syndrome is a brain damage caused by
prolonged thiamine deficiency (Vitamin B). People with the condition
experience loss of short-term memory. This vitamin is needed to metabolize
glucose which is the fuel that or brain needs to function. A person with
deficiency of vitamin B looses neurons because they shrink and then die. A
majority of the people with this brain disorder are alcoholics that go for
weeks drinking alcohol without food or water in their system. Other people prone to
this disorder are people with AIDS, cancers, eating disorders, people
treated with diuretic therapy, long-term dialysis and others. Most
symptoms can be reversed if detected and treated promptly. However,
improvement in memory function is slow and, usually, incomplete. Without
treatment, these disorders can be disabling and life-threatening. The treatment
involves replacement of thiamine and providing the person with proper
nutrition and hydration. In some cases, drug therapy is also recommended. Again I was reminded of how perfect we were created when I see the complexity and how tuned our body needs to be in order to function normally. Our body does all of this complicated tasks automatically without us having to do much. I
have included an informative video created by a group of students that I believe do a good job informing us about the syndrome. If you would like more detailed information on this syndrome I have also a web link that gives you more
information on Kosakoff’s Syndrome.
I as well did my blog about Korsakoff's Syndrome, and I would have to agree with you that this is a reminder of how perfect the we were created. It's incredible the damage that alcohol can do to our brain. Though I did not come across the information you provided about other people being prone to this disorder like AIDS or cancers.
ReplyDeleteI found your blog post and video very informative and interesting. Like you said, a majority of people who have this syndrome drink only alcohol for weeks without food or water. Korsakoff's Syndrome is a tragic example of how serious alcohol addiction can be. I mean, how can someone seriously drink alcohol for weeks on end without eating food or drinking water? Alcohol is one of the most addictive and abused substances and should not be treated lightly. Alcoholism is indeed a very devastating addiction, and Korsakoff's syndrome can result from that addiction.
ReplyDeleteWhoa that really surprised me how someone can go weeks with only drinking alcohol and nothing else. Wouldn't they die? Or in this case I guess develop this illness. It's a shame that in some cases this can be prevented in people if they just would not drink so often. Pretty crazy how are minds can just be altered that way with a substance and create life long problems...interesting post.
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