Korsakoff syndrome
Pronunciation: KORE-sah-koff
Chronic memory disorder characterized by severe anterograde amnesia and confabulation, typically resulting from thiamine deficiency.
Full Definition
Korsakoff syndrome is a chronic neuropsychiatric condition characterized by severe memory impairment, particularly affecting the formation of new memories (anterograde amnesia), along with variable retrograde amnesia and frequent confabulation. The syndrome results from damage to the mammillary bodies and mediodorsal thalamic nuclei, most commonly due to chronic thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency associated with alcohol use disorder. Patients typically retain normal immediate memory and general intellectual functioning but demonstrate profound difficulties with episodic memory formation and temporal sequencing of events.
Usage
Usage note: Named after Russian neuropsychiatrist Sergei Korsakoff; capitalize the 'K'.
In Context
- "The patient's Korsakoff syndrome required structured daily routines due to severe anterograde amnesia." — Long-term care planning
- "Thiamine supplementation was continued despite established Korsakoff syndrome to prevent further deterioration." — Medical management plan