Which individual is most likely to present with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?

• A. Premature infant
• B. An alcoholic man
• C. A postmenopausal woman
• D. A disabled child

Answer: (B)

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome arises from severe thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, most often in people with chronic alcohol use because alcohol reduces intake and impairs absorption and storage of thiamine. The syndrome combines an acute Wernicke phase (confusion, problems with eye movements, and ataxia) with a chronic Korsakoff phase characterized by profound memory problems, especially difficulty forming new memories, often with confabulation. Because alcohol misuse is the main risk factor, the individual most likely to present is an alcoholic man. The other groups listed are not typically associated with this thiamine deficiency pattern.