Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

Which disorder is often marked by a significant loss of memory and confabulation, typically linked to thiamine deficiency?

1. Korsakoff syndrome

2. Alzheimer's disease

3. Dementia

4. Parkinson's disease

The correct answer is: Korsakoff syndrome

Korsakoff syndrome is characterized by a significant loss of memory and confabulation, which refers to the fabrication of memories without the intention to deceive. This disorder is often associated with chronic thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, frequently seen in individuals with alcoholism. Thiamine is crucial for normal brain function, and its deficiency can lead to severe disruptions in memory formation and recall. In Korsakoff syndrome, the patient may not only forget recent events but also create false memories to fill in these gaps, demonstrating a striking impairment in both anterograde and retrograde memory. The presence of confabulation distinguishes it from other types of memory disorders. In contrast, Alzheimer's disease primarily involves progressive neurodegeneration, leading to memory loss, but it does not typically involve confabulation to the same extent. Dementia is a broader term that encompasses various cognitive impairments, and while it can include memory loss, confabulation is more specifically noted in Korsakoff syndrome. Parkinson's disease mainly affects motor function but may lead to cognitive changes in later stages without the hallmark memory symptoms seen in Korsakoff syndrome.