What condition is caused by thiamine deficiency and affects memory?

Korsakoff's Syndrome is a serious neurological disorder that arises from thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, commonly associated with chronic alcoholism. This condition is characterized primarily by memory disturbances, particularly in forming new memories and recalling past events. Individuals with Korsakoff's Syndrome often exhibit confabulation, which is when they fill in gaps in their memory with fabricated stories, further highlighting how significantly memory is affected.

The connection between thiamine deficiency and memory impairment is critical to understanding the unique impact of this syndrome. Thiamine is essential for brain metabolism, and its deficiency can lead to brain damage, particularly in areas responsible for memory processing, such as the mammillary bodies and thalamus. This physiological change relates directly to the cognitive impairments seen in affected individuals.

While Wernicke's Encephalopathy also stems from thiamine deficiency, it primarily presents with symptoms including ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and confusion but does not specifically emphasize the memory deficits that are hallmark signs of Korsakoff's Syndrome. Other options presented, such as Amyloid Plaque Disease and Alcohol Use Disorder, although relevant in discussions about cognitive health and brain function, do not specifically pertain to the condition caused by thiamine