What it means
Most often seen in people with long-term heavy alcohol use, who tend to eat poorly and absorb thiamine badly. The person has great trouble forming new memories and may fill gaps in memory with made-up stories without meaning to lie (confabulation). It often follows Wernicke encephalopathyVER-nih-kee en-sef-uh-LOP-uh-theeA sudden, serious brain disorder that results from a severe lack of thiamine (vitamin B1).encephal/o brain-pathy diseaseFull entry , and together they are called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. It is named after Sergei Korsakoff, the Russian psychiatrist who described it in the 1880s.
For the nurse
Give thiamine as ordered, and give it before glucose in clients with heavy alcohol use. Use simple routines, reminders and a safe setting, and support the family, since the memory loss is often lasting.
At a glance
| Also written | Korsakoff psychosis, Korsakoff's syndrome, Korsakoff’s syndrome |
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Related terms
vitamin
A substance the body needs in small amounts for normal growth and function, mostly from food.
Wernicke encephalopathy
A sudden, serious brain disorder that results from a severe lack of thiamine (vitamin B1).