Hello, My dad also has wks, and he was severe, and has stopped vodka and now only drinks his beer, while he cares for his parents, its almost like he is back. But he still repeats himself and forgets alot, but he is much better than I thought he wouldbe. Is it possible to get better like this? Or will he stay this way forever? Thanks Sunni

Nora <dulcineasmom@...> wrote:

Hi Marg,

 

I have to thank you.  You have found an article about WK that has turned on a light bulb in my head.  The first link you show below puts into words a description of the damage caused by WE that I finally understand.  There had previously been a gap in my understanding of why exactly I have the difficulties that I do.

 

"The body uses thiamine to form part of the structure of blood vessels, including

those in the brain. Without it they begin to leak. The main symptoms of Wernicke’s

encephalopathy (confusion, drowsiness etc) occur when blood is leaking out of the

capillaries in and around the parts of the brain that form new memories and the

parts that control muscle co-ordination. If the leaking continues the patient will

probably become unconscious, the leaked blood then clots and as it solidifies

damages the brain tissue around it."

 

I have never heard it described like this before and it now makes sense.  Thank you for continuing to look for more information on our disease.

 

I realize this probably means very little to most of you.  And I apologize for imposing my little experience on those of you, but for me this is very profound.

 

OK, I'll go back to my little corner of observation now.

 

Thank you

Nora

Marg <mgibson@getgoin.net> wrote:

I've added some links to our group that you might find helpful. I know some of the others who have dealt with parents with this will answer soon.

Marg

 

http://www.alcoholconcern.org.uk/files/20030808_114420_Wernicke-Korsakoff.pdf

 

http://www.zarcrom.com/users/alzheimers/odem/al-d.html#al6

 

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