Which substance is associated with the risk of developing Korsakoff syndrome?

Which substance is associated with the risk of developing Korsakoff syndrome?

• A. Cocaine
• B. Alcohol
• C. Heroin
• D. Marijuana

Answer: (B)

Korsakoff syndrome is predominantly associated with alcohol use, particularly in individuals with chronic alcoholism. This neurological disorder is a result of thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, which is often seen in those who consume excessive amounts of alcohol over long periods. Alcohol can impair nutritional absorption and lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins, including thiamine. Individuals with Korsakoff syndrome may present with confusion, memory disturbances, and confabulation, among other cognitive impairments. The condition often develops as a complication of Wernicke's encephalopathy, which is an acute condition precipitated by the same deficiency. Therefore, the connection between heavy alcohol consumption and the development of Korsakoff syndrome is well established in medical literature. The other substances listed do not have the same implications for thiamine deficiency and subsequent neurological disorders as alcohol does, making them less relevant in the context of Korsakoff syndrome.

Korsakoff syndrome is predominantly associated with alcohol use, particularly in individuals with chronic alcoholism. This neurological disorder is a result of thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, which is often seen in those who consume excessive amounts of alcohol over long periods. Alcohol can impair nutritional absorption and lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins, including thiamine.

Individuals with Korsakoff syndrome may present with confusion, memory disturbances, and confabulation, among other cognitive impairments. The condition often develops as a complication of Wernicke's encephalopathy, which is an acute condition precipitated by the same deficiency. Therefore, the connection between heavy alcohol consumption and the development of Korsakoff syndrome is well established in medical literature.

The other substances listed do not have the same implications for thiamine deficiency and subsequent neurological disorders as alcohol does, making them less relevant in the context of Korsakoff syndrome.