which combines Wernicke’s encephalopathy and
Korsakoff’s psychosis, occurs in some alcoholics who do not consume foods
fortified with thiamine. Wernicke’s encephalopathy consists of psychomotor
slowing or apathy, nystagmus, ataxia, ophthalmoplegia, impaired consciousness,
and, if untreated, coma and death. It probably results from severe acute
deficiency superimposed on chronic deficiency. Korsakoff’s psychosis consists of
mental confusion, dysphonia, and confabulation with impaired memory of recent
events. It probably results from chronic deficiency and may develop after
repeated episodes of Wernicke’s encephalopathy.