A chronic alcoholic develops severe memory loss with marked confabulation. Deficiency of which of the following vitamins would be most likely to contribute to the neurologic damage underlying these symptoms?
Correct Answer: Thiamine
Description: Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome refers to the constellation of neurologic symptoms caused by thiamine deficiency. Among these, a severe memory deficit, which the patient may attempt to cover by making up bizarre explanations (confabulation), is prominent. Anatomical damage to the mamillary bodies and periventricular structures has been postulated as the cause. Thiamine deficiency can also damage peripheral nerves ("dry" beriberi) and the hea ("wet" beriberi). Folic acid deficiency produces megaloblastic anemia without neurologic symptoms. Niacin deficiency produces pellagra, characterized by depigmenting dermatitis, chronic diarrhea, and anemia. Riboflavin deficiency produces ariboflavinosis, characterized by glossitis, corneal opacities, dermatitis, and erythroid hyperplasia.
Category:
Biochemistry
Get More
Subject Mock Tests
Practice with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects and improve your knowledge.
Attempt a mock test nowMock Exam
Take an exam with 100 random questions selected from all subjects to test your knowledge.
Coming SoonGet More
Subject Mock Tests
Try practicing mock tests with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects.
Attempt a mock test now