What is the primary feature of Korsakoff's syndrome?

Korsakoff's syndrome is primarily characterized by short-term memory loss and confabulation. This neurological disorder is often associated with chronic alcoholism and thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. Individuals with Korsakoff's syndrome typically struggle to form new memories, which affects their ability to recall recent events, leading to significant short-term memory impairment.

Confabulation, a notable feature of this syndrome, occurs when individuals unintentionally fill in gaps in their memory with fabricated or distorted memories without the intent to deceive. They may confidently recount these incorrect narratives, emphasizing the complexity of memory functions in this condition.

While other symptoms may be present in different contexts or disorders, such as hallucinations or tremors, they are not defining characteristics of Korsakoff's syndrome. This syndrome specifically highlights memory-related difficulties and the phenomenon of confabulation, making it a distinct condition within the spectrum of alcohol-related disorders.