What is a common symptom of Wernicke's Korsakoff's syndrome?

Amnesia with confabulation is a hallmark symptom of Wernicke's Korsakoff's syndrome, which is often associated with chronic alcoholism and thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. Individuals with this condition experience significant memory impairment, particularly in forming new memories and recalling recent events. Confabulation, a coping mechanism often seen in these patients, involves the unintentional fabrication of stories to fill in memory gaps. This explains why they might recount detailed memories that are not based in reality.

The combination of these memory issues characterizes the cognitive deficits present in this syndrome, making it critical for understanding and diagnosing the condition effectively. This contrasts with other symptoms that, while they may be observed in different contexts or disorders, do not specifically define the cognitive dysfunction associated with Wernicke's Korsakoff's syndrome.