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Abstract
Background: Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) is a debilitating neuropsychological condition characterized by the profound loss of thiamine (vitamin B1). The neuropsychological presentation of WKS has been increasingly refined since its discovery in the nineteenth century, leading to a more robust understanding of the condition. In general, it has been shown that WKS causes differ amongst individuals but the main causes for the condition include chronic alcoholism, immunodeficiency, genetic disorders, malnutrition, drug-induced thiamine deficiency, and hyperemesis gravidarum. However, it remains unclear how demographic, environmental, and ethnic differences may influence WKS etiology and severity. Here, we sought to conduct a systematic review of the history of WKS, its definition, and epidemiological studies illustrating the criteria and results of WKS causes and effects.
Methods: We conducted a literature review and included case studies and original articles when reporting on WKS in patients dating from 1970 to 2024 using Pubmed, Google, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Reports were included if they contained at least one of the following keywords: “Wernicke Encephalopathy”, “Korsakoff syndrome”, OR “Thiamine deficiency”. Concerning women, ethnic minorities, and children, criteria included “Wernicke’s Encephalopathy” and “Women”, “socioeconomic factors” AND “ethnicity” OR “race”. The results were limited to humans, English language, and data exploring only Vitamin B1.
Results: In total, we explored 38 studies. About 1-2% of the United States experiences WKS. Epidemiology data across developed countries such as Finland and Australia display similar findings with incidences ranging between 1-2.8%, affecting both males and females typically from ages 40-79 years. While alcohol induced WKS is common, multiple incidences of WKS can be attributed to non-alcoholic means such as hyperemesis gravidarum in women and malnutrition, which are commonly seen cases for women and children, respectively, with the vitamin B1. In studies with MRI recording, injuries to the thalamic area and mammillary bodies were prevalent. In studies featuring children, the effects of thiamine-deficiency displayed similar findings as shown in adults. Furthermore, when exploring the effects of socioeconomic conditions and ethnicity in relation to the condition, there are differences, both in patient presentation and mortality rates. Large scale treatment includes pharmacological intervention and/or enhanced Vitamin B1 foods to restore cerebral metabolism. However, societal gaps have been identified regarding the efficacy and implementation of standard treatment across communities in regards to WKS.
Conclusion: While previous studies highlighted the importance of alcoholism and thiamine deficiency on the onset of Korsakoff syndrome, this article veers towards both alcohol-induced and non-alcoholic causes of WKS. Furthermore, the article highlights gaps in our current understanding of WKS by highlighting the established treatments and addressing important issues facing society and healthcare concerning the complex conditions behind Wernicke-Korsakoff’s Syndrome. Overall, without sufficient epidemiological understanding, addressing WKS across different populations remains stymied. Training in early detection and timely care are necessary if health care for AUD patients, children, and women is to be adequately provided. This condition is a devastating and costly problem, and most importantly, given its consequences and tragedies, it should not be taken lightly.
Recommended Citation
Foamkom, Astrid-Ines; Malbas, Maria Sophia Zaraspe; Punch, Kory D.; Bob-Yellowe, Victor A.; McAdams, Allison J.; Paz, Julia; Zamora, Karina; Baker, Kelsey; Salloum, Ihsan; and Alliey-Rodriguez, Ney, "Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome: A Current Perspective" (2025). Research Symposium. 27.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/somrs/2025/posters/27
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome: A Current Perspective
Background: Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) is a debilitating neuropsychological condition characterized by the profound loss of thiamine (vitamin B1). The neuropsychological presentation of WKS has been increasingly refined since its discovery in the nineteenth century, leading to a more robust understanding of the condition. In general, it has been shown that WKS causes differ amongst individuals but the main causes for the condition include chronic alcoholism, immunodeficiency, genetic disorders, malnutrition, drug-induced thiamine deficiency, and hyperemesis gravidarum. However, it remains unclear how demographic, environmental, and ethnic differences may influence WKS etiology and severity. Here, we sought to conduct a systematic review of the history of WKS, its definition, and epidemiological studies illustrating the criteria and results of WKS causes and effects.
Methods: We conducted a literature review and included case studies and original articles when reporting on WKS in patients dating from 1970 to 2024 using Pubmed, Google, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Reports were included if they contained at least one of the following keywords: “Wernicke Encephalopathy”, “Korsakoff syndrome”, OR “Thiamine deficiency”. Concerning women, ethnic minorities, and children, criteria included “Wernicke’s Encephalopathy” and “Women”, “socioeconomic factors” AND “ethnicity” OR “race”. The results were limited to humans, English language, and data exploring only Vitamin B1.
Results: In total, we explored 38 studies. About 1-2% of the United States experiences WKS. Epidemiology data across developed countries such as Finland and Australia display similar findings with incidences ranging between 1-2.8%, affecting both males and females typically from ages 40-79 years. While alcohol induced WKS is common, multiple incidences of WKS can be attributed to non-alcoholic means such as hyperemesis gravidarum in women and malnutrition, which are commonly seen cases for women and children, respectively, with the vitamin B1. In studies with MRI recording, injuries to the thalamic area and mammillary bodies were prevalent. In studies featuring children, the effects of thiamine-deficiency displayed similar findings as shown in adults. Furthermore, when exploring the effects of socioeconomic conditions and ethnicity in relation to the condition, there are differences, both in patient presentation and mortality rates. Large scale treatment includes pharmacological intervention and/or enhanced Vitamin B1 foods to restore cerebral metabolism. However, societal gaps have been identified regarding the efficacy and implementation of standard treatment across communities in regards to WKS.
Conclusion: While previous studies highlighted the importance of alcoholism and thiamine deficiency on the onset of Korsakoff syndrome, this article veers towards both alcohol-induced and non-alcoholic causes of WKS. Furthermore, the article highlights gaps in our current understanding of WKS by highlighting the established treatments and addressing important issues facing society and healthcare concerning the complex conditions behind Wernicke-Korsakoff’s Syndrome. Overall, without sufficient epidemiological understanding, addressing WKS across different populations remains stymied. Training in early detection and timely care are necessary if health care for AUD patients, children, and women is to be adequately provided. This condition is a devastating and costly problem, and most importantly, given its consequences and tragedies, it should not be taken lightly.
