So, it might be difficult to determine Sobriety if permanent issues are caused by wet brain thiamine deficiency or alcohol use in general. It is important to remember that treatment for wet brain is not a one-size-fits-all. Yes, wet brain is a form of dementia caused by alcohol misuse and alcohol use disorder.
Do I Have Wet Brain?
Whether one condition causes the other or not, there is a recognized progression of symptoms. Studies have found that 80 to 90 percent of people who have Wernicke syndrome go on to develop Korsakoff syndrome. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome occurs in about 1 to 2 percent of the general population in the United States. The condition occurs slightly more in males than it does in females, and it occurs evenly across the population what is mush brain of people aged 30 to 70.
Who Gets Wet Brain?
If thiamine is given in these initial stages, wet brain can be quickly reversed. As the condition progresses, however, the inflammation leads to permanent damage. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome can occur from reasons other than alcohol use; however, the term “wet brain” is used to refer only to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome caused by alcohol use. Not everyone who uses alcohol will develop wet brain, but the only way to get wet brain is by drinking alcohol. Alcohol affects how the body absorbs thiamine, and people who misuse alcohol are also frequently malnourished, further increasing the problem.
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In other cases, an alcohol-induced inflammation of the stomach lining reduces the body’s ability to absorb vitamins. In its simplest form, wet brain describes a severe and persistent type of brain damage brought on by long-term alcohol misuse. This blog post from Hanley Center will clarify its nuances, including information on its causes, signs, and available treatments. We will also provide resources to help people struggling with wet brain to make well-informed decisions when navigating their healthcare journey. For those struggling with alcohol addiction, know that help is available.
Certain exams may be done to check the damage to the nervous or muscular system, as well as exams to check a person’s nutritional levels. Wet brain can progress and become a serious and in some cases, life-threatening disorder. The early stage of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is Wernicke’s encephalopathy. The symptoms of WK syndrome can take a few days to weeks to develop.
- This stage of wet brain results in permanent brain damage that cannot be treated.
- The second part of the treatment process for wet brain syndrome is to seek help from an addiction treatment program.
- At Recovery Unplugged, all information published on our website has been rigorously medically reviewed by a doctorate level medical professional, and cross checked to ensure medical accuracy.
Who Is Most at Risk of Developing Wet Brain?
Kathleen was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, but spent half of her life in California. She holds a master’s in clinical psychology with an emphasis on marriage and family therapy. Additionally, she has a master’s in holistic wellness and is trained in EMDR therapy for both in-person and virtual settings. Kathleen has more than 15 years of experience treating people who have a substance use disorder.
- Researchers have yet to agree upon whether Wernicke syndrome always comes before Korsakoff syndrome and, therefore, indicates some sort of cause-and-effect relationship.
- The unpredictability of wet brain syndrome is part of what makes it so challenging to diagnose and treat.
- This blog post from Hanley Center will clarify its nuances, including information on its causes, signs, and available treatments.
- Chronic alcohol misuse can have many serious health consequences, including what is commonly known as “wet brain.” When you drink excessively, it affects your body’s ability to absorb nutrients.
- By the time that patients have developed Korsakoff’s psychosis, they are often forgetful.
- Whether it’s through moderate drinking, a balanced diet, or regular exercise, the choices we make every day can have a profound impact on our cognitive well-being.