What is Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome primarily associated with?

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is primarily associated with nutritional deficiencies, specifically a severe deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1). This syndrome typically arises in individuals with chronic alcoholism, as alcoholics often fail to consume adequate amounts of essential nutrients, leading to various health complications.

In Wernicke's encephalopathy, the acute phase of the syndrome, the lack of thiamine results in neurological symptoms, such as confusion, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia. If not promptly treated, it can progress to Korsakoff's syndrome, which is characterized by chronic memory disorders, confabulation, and difficulties in learning new information.

This association with nutritional deficiencies highlights the importance of adequate dietary intake in preventing neurocognitive disorders, emphasizing the need for addressing malnutrition, particularly in at-risk populations, such as those with substance use disorders.