Which symptom is commonly associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?

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Multiple Choice

Which symptom is commonly associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?

Explanation:
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome stems from thiamine deficiency damaging memory-related brain circuits, especially the mammillary bodies and thalamic connections. In the Korsakoff component, the defining feature is confabulation—the patient fills memory gaps with plausible but false memories. This happens because explicit memory formation is impaired, and the brain “fills in” gaps with constructed narratives. Hemiplegia would indicate a focal stroke-like lesion rather than this diffuse thiamine-related injury, and visual hallucinations are not the hallmark of this syndrome. So confabulation best captures the characteristic symptom.

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome stems from thiamine deficiency damaging memory-related brain circuits, especially the mammillary bodies and thalamic connections. In the Korsakoff component, the defining feature is confabulation—the patient fills memory gaps with plausible but false memories. This happens because explicit memory formation is impaired, and the brain “fills in” gaps with constructed narratives. Hemiplegia would indicate a focal stroke-like lesion rather than this diffuse thiamine-related injury, and visual hallucinations are not the hallmark of this syndrome. So confabulation best captures the characteristic symptom.

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