How to recognizeThere is often a long period of suffering in a family or relatives prior to a definite diagnosis of "Korsakov". It is a period during which the patient consumes excessive amounts of alcohol (often out of sight of the family). The normal way of life in the family or with relatives in due course becomes seriously disturbed. It is increasingly difficult to make arrangements with the patient. Financial matters often cause disagreements.
The circle of friends becomes smaller. Perhaps even loss of a job is a precursor. Often there are arguments in the family or with relatives concerning the seriousness and consequences of drink abuse. There is always the hope that matters will improve and that the patient will stop drinking.
Because the level of intelligence remains intact, it is often difficult to determine a definite diagnosis. The patient seems to be reasonably capable of speech and is usually able to conceal deficiencies. The seriousness of the condition of the patient only becomes apparent when all social values are abandoned and the patient is no longer able to keep up the social façade.
The Korsakov syndrome is not a progressive illness. The disorders can become stable or even reduce if the patient stops drinking and the nutrition is improved. Recovery is however not possible. The brain cells do not regenerate and are not replaced.
Many patients continue to have the urge to consume alcohol and thus a fall back to misuse remains present for a long time. |
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