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The question was submitted 03/08/2007

Subject: korsakoff syndrome help please

I beleive this is a type of dementia caused by heavy drinking over a long period of time. Have been able to find some information but not what I need. My daughter has this type of dementia, although no longer drinking I can see that her mind isnt what it should be.
What will be the outcome for her in the years to come will her dementia just get worse or will she stay where she is ?
thanks

Answer from DementiaNet

Korsakoff’s disease is more accurately known as an 'amnestic syndrome'. This is because it causes primarily a memory deficit whilst other aspects of brain function are relatively intact e.g. language and also because it often does not progress. The diseases that cause dementia all cause progressive deterioration of brain function.

Unfortunately, if the diagnosis is correct then your daughter will never recover her memory as the part of the brain involved has been damaged beyond repair. It is due largely to chronic deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine). Thankfully, if she stops drinking and has a good diet the problem will not get worse.

The answer was published on DementiaNet 08/08/2007