Korsakoff Syndrome

Korsakoff syndrome is a chronic memory disorder caused by thiamine deficiency, most commonly associated with chronic alcoholism. Clinical features include anterograde amnesia, confabulation, and executive dysfunction. Pathophysiology involves neuronal loss and gliosis in the mammillary bodies, thalamus, and frontal cortex. Diagnosis is clinical, supported by history of nutritional deficiency or alcoholism and neuroimaging. Management includes thiamine supplementation, nutritional support, and cognitive rehabilitation; prognosis improves with early intervention but residual memory deficits often persist.