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Korsakoff's syndrome

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Korsakoff's syndrome

Korsakoff's syndrome info graphic

Korsakoff’s syndrome is caused by lack of thiamine (vitamin B1), which affects the brain and nervous system. People who drink excessive amounts of alcohol are often thiamine deficient.

Unlike dementia, Korsakoff’s syndrome does not progress over time. It can be halted if the person is given high doses of thiamine, stops drinking alcohol and adopts a healthy diet with vitamin supplements.

Resource: information sheet

Download our Kosakoff’s syndrome information sheet.
Download here

In this section

Rarer forms of dementia

Find out more about rarer forms of dementia.

About dementia

In Scotland, over 90,000 people have dementia. It is most common in older people but can affect people in their 40s and 50s or even younger.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is an illness of the brain which causes dementia. Over half the people in Scotland who have dementia have Alzheimer’s disease.

Vascular dementia

Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia.

Dementia with Lewy Bodies

Dementia with Lewy Bodies is a common form of dementia but many people have never heard of it.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Every person experiences dementia differently. It all depends on how and what parts of the brain are affected.

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