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Selective memory loss and global intellectual deficits in alcoholic Korsakoff's syndrome

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

R. R. Jacobson  and
W. A. Lishman
R. R. Jacobson
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, London
W. A. Lishman*
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, London
*
1Address for correspondence: Professor W. A. Lishman, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF.
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Synopsis

The principle of distinguishing between selective memory deterioration and global intellectual decline has been applied to 38 patients with alcoholic Korsakoff's syndrome. Indices were developed for each type of deficit and their distributions explored. Considerable variation was seen in both parameters, the transition from pure memory loss to global intellectual deficits appearing to be gradual. Differences were found in the sex and CT scan associations of the indices. The implications of the distinction for future research are discussed.

Type
Research Article
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 17 , Issue 3 , August 1987 , pp. 649 - 655
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1987

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