WERNICKES-DISEASE AND KORSAKOFFS-SYNDROME

At least three usages of the term >>Korsakoff's syndrome<< are found a t the present time in the literature: the first equates this notion wi th, >>amnesic syndrome<<, a second denotes amnesic syndromes caused by diencephalic lesion, and a third refers to organic amnesia following thiamine deficiency. The present review in short delineates the histor y of Wernicke's disease and Korsakoff's psychosis as well as the funct ional-neuroanatomic basis of organic amnesia. In consideration of the variety of amnesic syndromes with respect to etiology and lesion local ization as well as associated behavioural symptoms, it seems to be fea sible to restrict the notion >>Korsakoff's syndrome<< to organic amnes ia due to thiamine deficiency.