In reality, Wernicke encephalopathy and Korsakoff psychosis are two different pathologies that constitute what is known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Confusion, a symptom of Wernicke-Korsaskoff syndrome, may create panic for the alcoholic who is unaware of their surroundings in detox. It is important to have family and friends insist that the alcoholic stay and comply with the alcohol treatment program.
Co-occurring Health Problems
About 80% of people with alcohol use disorder have a thiamine deficiency, and up to 2% of the total U.S. adult population has Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. However, it is not well understood who has wet brain because of alcohol abuse or from poor nutrition. It is also not possible to accurately estimate who all has wet brain because many people with severe alcoholism do not seek treatment or are homeless and are not evaluated for the condition. However, current statistics show that more men than women have wet brain, and the age groups most affected by the disorder are between the ages of 30 and 70. Excessive alcohol consumption interferes with the body’s ability to absorb thiamine from food.
The Link Between Alcohol Abuse and The Wernicke Korsakoff (wet Brain)
Thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1, is important because is essential for carbohydrate metabolism and the normal function of the nervous system. It’s also a cofactor for the production of key enzymes that enable our brain to function properly. Our treatment programs provide comprehensive care starting with medical detox through treatment, with qualified staff available to assist you. AAC is so confident in their ability to help people stay sober that they offer a 90-day promise. If you relapse after having completed 90 days of consecutive treatment at an AAC facility, you can return for another 30 days of treatment at no additional cost. Our mush brain representatives can answer your questions and guide you toward treatment in your area.
- Blood testing can provide key insights into a person’s thiamine levels and other general nutrition.
- At The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake, we understand how stressful overcoming an alcohol addiction can be.
- Depriving the brain over long periods of thiamine damages this region, and left untreated and unchecked, it can cause permanent brain damage.
- Our medical team closely monitors patients during detox and provides medication and other interventions as needed to ensure their comfort and safety.
What are the Symptoms of Wet brain?
This is one reason why the early signs of this disorder should not be ignored. While the easiest way to prevent wet brain is to not drink at all, that’s also not a solution that works for everyone. That being said, there are ways to actively try and prevent wet brain from forming. Once someone learns about what wet brain is, the next question often has something to do with can it be reversed or cured. The answer to this largely depends on how early the Substance abuse condition is caught, diagnosed, and then treated. The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing.
- It’s a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of excessive drinking, extending far beyond the immediate effects of a hangover brain fog.
- The body’s inability to absorb thiamine due to poor nutrition or alcohol addiction is the primary culprit.
- When your brain and nervous system do not receive an adequate amount of energy, they cannot function at healthy levels.