알코올 관련 기억 장애

Alcohol-Related Memory Disorder

Heavy alcohol consumption can impacts cognitive function including memory. Alcohol-related memory impairments are relatively common conditions and have various mechanisms. This article reviews two alcohol related memory impairments. One is alcohol related blackout and the other is WernickeKorsakoff syndrome. Rapid ingestion of large amount of alcohol produces memory impairments, which are periods of memory loss for the events that occurred during drinking. The mechanisms of blackouts are reviewed. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is severe form of alcohol-related memory disorder. Thiamine deficiency due to heavy alcohol consumption and poor nutrition is a main cause of this condition. This article reviews the pathogenesis and clinical manifestation of WKS and address the importance of early treatment and prevention.