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However, the only way to fully avoid wet brain and alcoholic dementia is to lower the substance abuse itself. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even deadly, in some cases, so detoxing under medical supervision is always the safest and most effective way to quit alcohol and begin a new, sober lifestyle. Thiamine is vital for the metabolism of glucose, the brain’s primary energy source.
- Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome develops when your body doesn’t have enough vitamin B1, or “thiamine,” which lets your brain convert sugar into energy.
- Regardless of the stage, abstaining from alcohol is vital to preventing further brain damage and maximizing any potential recovery.
- Unfortunately, this means that many Americans are susceptible to wet brain.
- These symptoms may appear gradually and can persist even if the person stops drinking.
- Our dedicated team offers compassionate support, ensuring you have the guidance and resources needed to navigate your journey to sobriety and wellness.
Call today to speak confidentially with a recovery expert or take our brief self-test.
Individuals with Korsakoff’s syndrome may also experience changes in mood and personality 2. This phase is the first one and it is characterized by very strong wet brain symptoms like confusion, lack of muscle coordination, and vision changes that may include abnormal eye movements. Also, someone might have trouble with balance or walking making it hard what is Oxford House to do anything. Damage occurs in certain parts of the brain – thalamus or hypothalamus where nervous system control meets endocrine regulation.
Anna Smith, LP – Assistant Clinical Director
If the affected individual fails to seek treatment at this point, the condition worsens. It’s possible for patients with wet brain to develop Wernicke’s encephalopathy and not Korsakoff’s psychosis. When both symptoms are present, the symptoms are similar to dementia. Wet brain strips people of their independence, dignity, and connection to the world around them.
Individuals may also exhibit confabulation, unconsciously creating stories to fill memory gaps, believing these fabricated memories to be true. Other symptoms include apathy, a lack of insight, and executive dysfunction, impacting planning and decision-making. Unfortunately, this is an unlikely scenario for individuals who reach this stage of chronic alcohol use. The best way to prevent wet brain is to avoid it altogether by treating alcoholism before it reaches this point. Wet brain, or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome caused by alcohol use, is a type of brain damage caused by low levels of thiamine.
While alcohol misuse is the most common cause, other conditions leading to severe malnutrition can also result in thiamine deficiency and WKS. Continued medical and nutritional support plays a large role in improving the quality of life for those affected by wet brain. There are two forms of wet brain syndrome called Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff psychosis. With Wernicke’s encephalopathy, a person will develop neurological symptoms because the brain is suffering from lesions that form from a lack of adequate thiamine. Once the signs of the first part of the wet brain syndrome diminish, a person can develop the symptoms of Korsakoff’s psychosis.
- These include dietary deficiencies, eating disorders, and chemotherapy 2.
- Early treatment with intravenous thiamine injections and lifestyle changes, such as an improved diet and abstinence from alcohol, can increase the chances of recovery 1.
- Heart and nervous system cells are extremely sensitive to a thiamine deficiency.
- It is also possible that genetics can play a role in the extent of brain damage from alcoholism.
Talking About Wet Brain Syndrome
If Danny won the lottery, he’d start a tech company focusing on deep learning to support people in coping strategies. Originally from New Orleans, Meghan earned her master’s degree from Arizona State University (2021) and became a Licensed Addiction Counselor in 2024. She is a Brainspotting practitioner and is currently completing requirements toward the LPC.
During his time as a therapist, Justin has worked in a residential addiction treatment facility, private practice, and outpatient settings. Originally from Tokyo, Anna earned a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health from Denver Seminary in 2015. She brings a decade of experience across the full continuum of care—from medical detox through private practice, helping clients address substance use alongside trauma, mood, and anxiety disorders. Heavy drinkers should consider taking anywhere from 50mg to 100mg of oral thiamine supplements per day. A person with mild thiamine deficiency should take between 5mg and 30mg of thiamine a day.
How common is Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?
- She participated in research studying ADHD in children, mindfulness and anxiety, and embodied cognition.
- Alcoholics, in particular, should familiarize themselves with this disease.
The program begins with detoxification, which safely removes alcohol from the patient’s system under medical supervision, reducing the immediate risk of thiamine deficiency. At Grata House, our mission is to re-imagine the treatment of trauma, substance dependence, and other co-occurring conditions. Part of Oxford House this mission involves educating our community about the serious health consequences of untreated alcohol use disorder. Triggers for the sudden onset of wet brain include long-term alcohol use, poor nutrition, or conditions that interfere with thiamine absorption. Still Detox Alcohol Rehab Facility can provide a safe environment for detox, therapy to address addiction, and nutritional guidance. Therapies for cognitive rehabilitation may also be recommended for those with Korsakoff’s syndrome.
What causes wet brain syndrome?
Decision-making and basic planning can become very difficult as well. Heavy drinking not only decreases absorption of thiamine, but can also lead to a poor diet, increasing the chances you’ll develop wet brain. In severe cases, a person may require long-term care in a medical facility. Once someone reaches the second phase, life expectancy may be as short as six months. There are no known treatment options for this long-term stage of wet brain.
People who start problem drinking at young ages, and drink heavily will be at higher risk of developing wet brain than those who drink moderately or don’t develop alcoholism until they are older. If wet brain is caught in the early stages of Stage 1 (Wernicke’s Encephalopathy), high-dose thiamine treatment can often reverse symptoms and restore brain function. However, if wet brain reaches the second stage (Korsakoff’s Psychosis), the brain damage is typically permanent. While some symptoms may be able to be managed, complete reversal and recovery are rare. What can treatment for alcohol abuse and addiction do to stave off Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?
Diagnosis and Treatment of Wet Brain
If left untreated, it can progress to the chronic stage, known as Korsakoff psychosis. Following detox, patients receive intensive thiamine supplementation to address any existing deficiencies and initiate the healing process for neurological damage. Nutritional support is also a cornerstone of our program, ensuring patients receive a balanced diet rich in thiamine and other essential nutrients to bolster their recovery. The longer someone lives with the symptoms of wet brain syndrome, the less chance there is of reversing the condition.
Memory impairment, particularly in the form of anterograde amnesia, can make it challenging to form new memories and retain new information. Individuals may struggle to recall recent events, conversations, or even perform familiar tasks. This memory loss can have a profound impact on personal relationships, work, and overall quality of life. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, also known as wet brain syndrome, can have significant long-term effects on individuals who develop the condition. Understanding these effects and the risk factors for development is crucial in raising awareness and promoting early intervention.