Source Memory in Korsakoff Syndrome: Disentangling the Mechanisms of Temporal Confusion

Abstract

Patients with KS displayed source memory deficits, as indexed by temporal context confusions. The absence of a relationship with episodic memory performances seems to indicate that source memory impairment is not a mere by-product of amnesia. As ALC was associated with preserved source memory, the presence of temporal context confusion may serve as a complementary tool for the differential diagnosis between ALC and KS.

Flashbulb memories for Paris attacks in Korsakoff's syndrome: a case study

“…Thus, flashbulb memories seem to trigger some reliable recall for the reception context. This finding is of interest as it may suggest some positive effect of flashbulb memories on context recall, a type of recall that has been found to be particularly affected in KS patients [6][7][8][9][10] .…”

Morphopathological approaches in alcoholism

“…These types of memory deficits are not also noticeable in the case of chronic alcohol consumption. Following the results of the study cited, there is no continuum between the two types of neurological conditions, so chronic alcohol consumption is not characterized by a specific source of memory deficits and not always leads to the syndrome [15].…”

“…The psychological sample used in the above-mentioned study becomes a useful tool in making a differential diagnosis and especially to be able to capture the risk factors towards the further development of Korsakoff syndrome. Although chronic alcohol consumption does not exhibit specific memory disorders, following a detoxification treatment, these individuals are at risk of developing clinical symptoms specific to the syndrome [15].…”

Sex Differences in Korsakoff's Syndrome for Inhibition but Not for Episodic Memory or Flexibility

“…KS is mainly associated with severe impairment of episodic memory. Previous studies have consistently demonstrated difficulties in patients with KS to remember the episodic context, in which information was encoded (eg, where, when, and how an item was previously encountered) 2‐9 . Another characteristic of the decline of episodic memory in KS is confabulations, 10,11 that is, the tendency of patients with KS to construct fictitious memories without an intent to deceive.…”

“…Previous studies have consistently demonstrated difficulties in patients with KS to remember the episodic context, in which information was encoded (eg, where, when, and how an item was previously encountered). [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Another characteristic of the decline of episodic memory in KS is confabulations, 10,11 that is, the tendency of patients with KS to construct fictitious memories without an intent to deceive. Although episodic memory impairment has been considered as the main cognitive characteristic of KS, executive dysfunction has been put forward as another prominent cognitive impairment in the syndrome, 12,13 including disinhibition, poor judgment, and planning abilities.…”