The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains that dementia related to alcoholism--also referred to as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome--is a degenerative condition with devastating results. The disease is named after the Wernicke's area of the brain, which is considerably and irreversibly affected due to a deficiency of thiamine--or vitamin B1--common to alcoholics.
Wernicke's Encephalopathy
Wernicke's encephalopathy, or syndrome, is when the body goes into thiamine deficiency. There are two distinct phases or stages in Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. The first is the Wernicke stage, in which the prolonged periods of alcohol abuse, malnourishment, malnutrition, vomiting or the addition of chemotherapy can cause confusion, visual impairments, stupor, coma, hypothermia, hypotension and ataxia. Ataxia is debilitating in its own right.
Wernicke-related ataxia, as noted by the National Ataxia Foundation, is a degenerative condition of the motor skills and the nervous system relaying issues pertaining to balance and coordination. Further complicating symptoms can include coordination problems, shuffling gait and difficulty in walking, speaking, using the limbs or digits and controlling eye movements.
Korsakoff's Syndrome
Korsakoff's syndrome is a combination of confabulation, visual impairment and significant memory loss. Alzheimer's Society-United Kingdom suggests that this secondary phase of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is the result of untreated Wernicke, phase one. This creates the short-term memory loss and inability to retain new information, confabulation--where the individual inserts false recollections into memory gaps, and does not realize it--increased apathy, plus the addition of double-vision or eyelid drooping.
Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia is known to accompany symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff. The Alzheimer's Society--United Kingdom suggests that the majority of alcoholics do not have healthy lifestyles and that many factors may have caused heart or nervous system damage that affect the brain as well. Vascular dementia occurs when the supply of blood to the brain is restricted, causing cells to die off. Symptoms associated with this dementia also include memory deficits, impaired problem-solving abilities and increased difficulty concentrating on tasks.
