Do you get karsakoff syndrome from excessive drinking twice a week, every week for a year?

Question

I have a friend and he will tell me things and then tell me the exact same thing 30 minutes later and have no idea he just told me that. He also forgets things that I tell him on a regular basis. He gets drunk just about every Friday and Saturday night and has done so for atleast a year. Before that he drank but not as often. He is 19 years old and a freshmen in college. Is he suffering from early stages of karsakoff syndrome, or is there some other side effect of his drinking. Or is he just an idiot?

Answer 1

It's highly unlikely that he has Korsakoff syndrome, as it is a form of dementia. I would certainly suggest that he see his primary care provider to make sure that stupidity isn't the cause of his problems. It's very good that you are concerned.

Answer 2

*lol* my mom's like that.. i dont think he has korsakoff.. did he have any history of head trauma? he might be having amnesia which can be caused by a concussion to the brain.. you can tell him or might as well help him to a doctor so he can check and probably recommend some examinations to examine his brain..

also, it is a possibility that he's just teasing you.. my husband does that to me everytime.. i tell him something and the next day he pretends like i said nothing..

Answer 3

http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic642.htm