The first signs of Korsakoff syndrome are confusion and impaired memory so people might start to repeat themselves. Hallucinations as well as changes in emotional reactions (i.e. becoming more apathetic), and behaviours also occur. If you are someone with a family member or loved one who has an addiction, it can be incredibly difficult to support them.
- This is because of vomiting, poor nutrition, and the digestive tract becoming inflamed.
- The chronic stage of alcoholism sees a person’s life completely consumed with obtaining alcohol and drinking.
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- Research shows that wet brain is more likely to develop in men than women.
- If you know someone who drinks regularly and has these symptoms, have them reach out to a treatment provider to discuss their treatment options.
Untreated Alcoholism and the Risks of Wet Brain Syndrome
In many ways, a person struggling with alcohol addiction and showing symptoms of second-phase wet brain acts much like someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Treating the alcohol use disorder, along with the health problems caused by chronic, heavy drinking, may be possible. The first step will likely be a medically supervised detox, which will help rid your body of toxins and manage the symptoms of withdrawal. Alcohol use disorder is a progressive disease that includes a beginning, middle, and end stage, which can result in life-threatening health conditions. It’s not often talked about, but left untreated, alcohol use disorder can be a fatal disease. In fact, it contributes to about 88,000 deaths annually in the U.S., making alcohol the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States.
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Department of Health and Human Services, alcohol impairs the body’s ability to absorb thiamine from food sources. Therefore, wet brain disease is higher in alcoholics because of the peculiar way sugar acts on the thiamine-deficient brain. The most commonly used and recognized MAT for alcohol use end stage alcoholism wet brain disorders is naltrexone, taken orally or as an injection. Naltrexone helps decrease total drinks consumed per day, cravings, and pleasurable effects of alcohol. Injectable Naltrexone (Vivitrol) injections are given once a month, providing a way to get beneficial effects for 30 days at a time.
What is Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?
Other supplements such as magnesium, phosphate, and potassium can also support recovery. Drinking alcohol should be avoided completely to prevent further episodes. The most common risk factor for Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is alcohol abuse, but it can also be triggered by AIDS, cancer, chronic infections, kidney dialysis, and anorexia. Diagnostic tests include cognitive assessments, blood tests, and neurological screenings. According to the Merck Manuals, about 10%–20% of people with untreated Wernicke encephalopathy will not survive. Although these two disorders share similarities involving memory and cognitive problems, people with early to moderate stage Korsakoff syndrome can still socialize and perform basic daily tasks.
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The thiamine will help address problems of confusion or delirium, as well as vision and muscle coordination. However, additional medications may be needed to treat other symptoms. If the doctor is unaware of an existing alcohol problem, testing of the liver enzymes could help eliminate other possible causes of these symptoms. These physical changes to the brain can impact other areas of the body as well. And the true number of people who suffer from this disorder may be even higher, as some never seek treatment for it. Discover the importance of self-care and its impact on mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Treatment for Wet Brain
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, also known as wet brain syndrome, is a form of dementia that is primarily caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1 or thiamine. It most commonly affects heavy drinkers and individuals who are malnourished. Let’s delve into the overview of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and explore its causes. In terms of diagnosis, brain scans might reveal brain swelling from Wernicke’s Encephalopathy but it’s a condition that’s usually diagnosed by the symptoms present. At its worst wet brain leads to permanent brain damage, coma, and death.
- These overlapping symptoms can often overshadow the acute manifestations of Wernicke’s encephalopathy.
- Most people with Wernicke encephalopathy experience a progressive worsening of symptoms.
- People in this stage benefit from opening up to friends and family about their decision to seek treatment, as it fosters accountability and helps with follow-through.
- By Buddy TBuddy T is a writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism.
Support and ongoing input are required to develop the skills and mindset to make a full recovery. Of course, problematic use, addiction, and dependency make alcohol withdrawal symptoms particularly difficult to face and manage. Alcohol causes one of the most difficult addictions to quit in the world of psychoactive substances. Wet Brain is officially known and diagnosed by professionals as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS). It occurs when a person has a deficiency in thiamine (aka vitamin B1). Thiamine is critical for keeping cells in your body healthy by supporting energy metabolism.
What is Wet Brain? About Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
You might hear the dated term “wet brain” used in reference to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. However, the term “wet brain” carries and perpetuates stigma by inaccurately conveying that people willfully contract it. The truth is two people can have similar drinking patterns and one will develop Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and the other won’t. It’s a complex condition with many factors and, like alcohol use disorder, no one chooses it. As such, we recommend that the term “wet brain” be avoided in favor of the more accurate “Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.” By the time a person reaches end-stage alcoholism, drinking has taken over their lives and has likely had a negative impact on relationships, work or school, finances, and overall health.
