ASWB Clinical Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Resource

Wernicke's encephalopathy and Korsakoff's syndrome are both disorders associated with thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, often occurring in individuals with chronic alcohol use. The symptoms of these syndromes are closely related to neurological impairment due to this deficiency.

Memory loss is a significant symptom, particularly in Korsakoff's syndrome, where individuals may have profound difficulties with short-term memory, leading to confabulation and other memory-related issues. Confusion is also a hallmark of these conditions, especially in Wernicke's encephalopathy, where confusion arises from acute brain dysfunction. Vision and coordination problems are indicative of Wernicke's encephalopathy, as individuals may experience symptoms like ophthalmoplegia (eye movement disorders) and ataxia (coordination difficulties).

In contrast, diabetes is not a symptom of Wernicke's encephalopathy or Korsakoff's syndrome. While diabetes can coexist with these conditions, it is a metabolic disorder characterized by issues with insulin and blood sugar levels rather than a direct result of thiamine deficiency or neurological dysfunction. Thus, identifying diabetes as not being a symptom helps clarify the distinct nature of metabolic conditions compared to those resulting from nutritional deficiencies.