Common Causes Of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

Alcoholism

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Alcoholism is the leading cause of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Alcohol obstructs the absorption of essential nutrients, including thiamine. Alcohol is also very destructive to the stomach cells, which causes the overproduction of abrasive stomach acids that additionally inhibit the absorption of nutrients. The liver has to metabolize the alcohol consumed, depleting valuable resources and potentially causing malnutrition. Individuals dealing with alcoholism also tend to neglect their nutritional needs by consuming alcohol in place of meals. This compounds the malnutrition already caused by damage to the stomach, resulting in a vitamin B1 deficiency and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. The mammillary bodies in the brain become damaged from a lack of proper energy due to thiamine's absence.

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