Long-term, heavy drinking and alcoholism prevents essential nutrients from entering the body. If someone does not get enough Vitamin B1 they can develop “Wet Brain”, also known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome which is a type of alcoholic dementia.
This thiamine (vitamin B1) deficit frequently arises in those with malnutrition, which is happens in chronic heavy drinkers.
Detecting and addressing the syndrome in its early stages can reverse its effects.
If wet brain syndrome is left unchecked, it can result in permanent cognitive impairments, motor coordination challenges, and hallucinations.
I’ve been noticing some memory issues lately that worry me. When I came across my late husband’s old medical journals discussing ‘wet brain,’ it hit too close to home. Will I end up like him if I can’t rein in my drinking before it’s too late? I need to understand what’s happening to me.
Anonymous Reader
If you think you have an alcohol use disorder, it’s never too late to seek help. Call Zinnia Health’s free alcohol helpline at (855) 430-9439 to discuss treatment options.
What is Wet Brain?
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) sometimes casually referred to as “wet brain syndrome” or “alcoholic dementia”, is a cognitive impairment stemming from a Thiamine deficiency and is recognized as a serious medical condition. (2)
Why Do Alcoholics Develop Wet Brain?
People who struggle with alcohol addiction are prone to poor diets and lack nutritious foods.
Vitamin B1 doesn’t occur naturally in the body. Instead, it is stored in the liver after consumption.
Vitamin B1 can be found naturally in meats, fish, and whole grains. These are foods alcoholics could be lacking in their diets.
Furthermore, excessive alcohol consumption may impair the body’s ability to properly utilize and store enough thiamine.
Wet brain is rooted in both acute and chronic stages of thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency (2), this neurological condition is as complex as it is detrimental.
One of the consequences of prolonged heavy drinking can be the onset of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) — commonly referred to as ‘wet brain’.
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) not only compromises the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients but, when unchecked, can lead to a plethora of severe health problems, including cognitive impairments (3), high blood pressure and even cancer. (4)
What Are The Different Stages of Wet Brain?
Signs of wet brain manifest as two stages: Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s psychosis.
Most people who develop wet brain experience symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy before Korsakoff’s psychosis. (2)
Stage 1: Wernicke’s Encephalopathy
The first stage, or early stage, is known as Wernicke encephalopathy.
“Encephalopathy” refers to neurological symptoms that impact the brain’s structure or function. In the context of Wernicke’s encephalopathy, it typically pertains to cerebral bleeding. (5)
Common symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy include: (5)
- Confusion
- Impaired short-term memory
- Uncontrollable or unusual eye movements
- Poor muscle coordination (ataxia)
- Loss of balance
- Double vision
- Drooping eyelids
- Low blood pressure
- Weakness and muscle atrophy
- Low body temperature
It’s essential to note that many of these symptoms can mimic intoxication or the signs of alcohol withdrawal.
Neglecting these indicators can lead to the escalation of Wernicke’s encephalopathy to its subsequent, more acute stage, commonly referred to as Korsakoff’s psychosis.
Stage 2: Korsakoff’s Psychosis
Korsakoff’s psychosis phase is more enduring than Wernicke’s encephalopathy. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 80-90% of alcoholics who develop Wernicke’s encephalopathy eventually transition into the Korsakoff’s psychosis stage. (6)
Symptoms of Korsakoff can include:
- Short-term memory problems
- Amnesia
- Tremor
- Coma
- Disorientation
- Vision problems
Changes in the brain’s physiology have effects on other parts of the body as well.
For instance, an individual undergoing the Korsakoff’s psychosis phase might experience tachycardia or an accelerated heart rate. Concurrently, they might detect anomalies in their central nervous system and peripheral regions, like the hands and feet.
Why Is Thiamine Important for Brain Health?
Thiamine (Vitamin B1), is crucial for the health of every cell in our body, including the neurons in our brains.
Thiamine plays a key role in helping brain cells produce energy from sugar. When thiamine levels drop too low, brain cells are unable to generate the energy needed to function properly. (7)
Numerous enzymes in the brain need thiamine to perform, including many vital neurotransmitters.
The regions of the brain such as the cerebellum, mammillary bodies, thalamus, hypothalamus, and brainstem—responsible for various essential functions like balance, cognition, emotions, and more—are adversely affected by a thiamine shortage. (7)
When the brain cannot get the correct amount of thiamine over a long period of time, it experiences damage.
Cognitive challenges, like memory loss, attention, and problem-solving abilities, can be exacerbated by a thiamine deficiency.
Who is At Risk of Wet Brain?
People who are at risk of a deficiency in thiamine include people affected by:
- Substance use disorders
- Malnutrition
- Prolonged vomiting
- Eating disorders
- Effects of chemotherapy
Effects of alcohol consumption can hamper thiamine absorption in the intestines, diminish its reserves in the liver, and lead to other nutritional imbalances.
Is Wet Brain Reversible?
The reversible nature of wet brain largely depends on its stage and the promptness of treatment.
The earlier stage, Wernicke’s encephalopathy, is reversible when treated promptly with thiamine supplementation and cessation of alcohol consumption.
However, once it progresses to Korsakoff’s psychosis, the brain damage can be permanent. Some symptoms might improve with treatment, but memory deficits often remain.
Is Wet Brain a Dangerous Condition?
Yes, wet brain is absolutely dangerous if left untreated.
It can lead to severe complications, including permanent brain damage, chronic memory problems, a coma, and even death.
This is why it is crucial for those exhibiting signs and symptoms of wet brain to seek immediate medical attention.
How is Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome Diagnosed?
Diagnosing Wernicke’s encephalopathy can be challenging. This is because its symptoms, such as disordered thinking and impaired communication, can closely resemble those of alcohol intoxication or withdrawal symptoms.
These overlapping symptoms can often overshadow the acute manifestations of Wernicke’s encephalopathy.
The diagnosis of WKS often entails a thorough clinical evaluation, a thorough patient history, and the use of imaging devices such as an MRI, CT scan, or Electrocardiogram (EKG). (10)
Research indicates that MRI scans can be particularly effective in confirming or ruling out the presence of the disorder. (11)
Blood tests to measure thiamine and blood sugar levels may be advised by your healthcare practitioner.
Also, a blood alcohol test and a liver function test are frequently used by healthcare professionals to look for indicators of alcohol use disorder.
How to Treat Wet Brain
Treating Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome mainly involves giving strong doses of thiamine.
It’s also important for patients to stop drinking alcohol during treatment.
Since this syndrome happens because of a lack of thiamine, giving high amounts of it, especially in the early stages, is key to helping reduce or stop the symptoms. (5) (8) (9)
Patients can take thiamine as a pill or get it through injections. They might also receive other vitamins to help their bodies use thiamine better. (5)
By increasing thiamine in the body, patients often feel less confused, move better, see better, and have fewer memory issues.
By following these treatment options, patients with WKS can hope for symptom alleviation and an improved quality of life. (5) (8)
FAQs
What is the life expectancy of a person with wet brain?
According to a study in the Alcohol and Alcoholism journal, 50% of patients would be expected to die within 8 years of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome episode.
The life expectancy of a person diagnosed with wet brain (Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome) can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the condition, the stage at which treatment began, and the individual’s overall health.
However, with early detection and proper treatment, individuals can have improved outcomes. The life-threatening aspects can be mitigated, but long-term memory problems and cognitive issues may persist.
What is an example of wet brain?
An example of wet brain could be a person who has been a chronic, heavy drinker for years and starts displaying symptoms such as significant memory gaps, difficulty forming new memories, and confabulation (making up stories to fill memory gaps).
They might also exhibit physical signs like unsteady gait, involuntary eye movements, and muscle coordination problems.
What are the early signs of brain damage from alcohol?
Early signs of brain damage from alcohol include:
- Memory lapses or difficulty concentrating.
- Poor decision-making and increased impulsivity.
- Reduced coordination and balance.
- Mood swings and erratic behavior.
- Slurred speech or other speech problems.
- Reduced ability to think critically or logically
What is the best way to prevent wet brain?
The best way to prevent wet brain is:
- Limit or abstain from alcohol consumption.
- Ensure a balanced diet rich in thiamine (Vitamin B1), as the deficiency of this vitamin is a primary cause.
- Regularly check with healthcare professionals if you are a heavy drinker to monitor thiamine levels and overall health.
- Seek treatment for alcohol dependence or abuse as soon as it’s recognized
Citations
- https://www.apa.org/topics/substance-use-abuse-addiction/alcohol-disorders
- https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/wernicke-korsakoff-syndrome
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6875727/
- https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/alcohol/index.htm
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537204/
- https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/wernicke-korsakoff-syndrome/#symptoms
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19087395/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29225466/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470344/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22687-wernicke-korsakoff-syndrome#diagnosis-and-tests
- https://radiopaedia.org/articles/wernicke-encephalopathy
- https://academic.oup.com/alcalc/article/52/4/466/3065162
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