Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS), once thought to be a rare condition, is now known to be
common in people with nutritional deficiencies or alcohol dependence. The primary cause of
WKS is thiamine deficiency, and more than 90% of cases are reported in alcohol dependent
patients because alcohol dependence predisposes to severe nutritional deficiency. WKS may
lead to significant, long-term brain dysfunction with severe effects on work, personal and
social function. Whilst effective treatment may greatly reduce severe disability and the
human and social costs of this illness, almost no evidence exists on optimal dosing regimens.
This project proposes to develop quality evidence for effective treatment of WKS in an
Aboriginal setting.