Korsakoff's syndrome (KS) is characterized by the acute onset of a severe anterograde memory impairment and a less pronounced retrograde amnesia. In addition to deficits in memory, executive function, visuo-spatial abilities, and visuo-perception are impaired. The main structures involved in the neuropathology of KS are the mammillary bodies and the thalamus. It is generally assumed that KS is a stable amnesic condition, and little research has been done in studying the effects of aging on the syndrome. / A group of elderly KS patients were evaluated on a large battery of neuropsychological tests to examine general cognitive function, memory, attention, visuo-spatial ability, and executive function. Their performance was compared to age-matched Alzheimer's disease patients and healthy controls. Results showed that there is an interaction between age and KS, with exaggerated deficits seen in memory and executive function, as well as new deficits in semantic memory. / To better understand KS, the thesis provides a review focusing on human, English language studies published between the years 1995 and 2008. Updates on the current findings of treatment and prevention, genetics and prevalence, neuropathology, and neuropsychology including memory and frontal function are provided. In addition, comparison studies of KS to other neurological disorders are summarized.

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