Louisiana State University Shreveport 11

Wernicke's Encephalopathy and Korsakoff Syndrome

• Wernicke's Encephalopathy: A neurological disorder caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, often associated with alcoholism.

  • Symptoms include confusion, lack of muscle coordination, and vision changes.

• Korsakoff Syndrome: Often develops as a result of untreated Wernicke's encephalopathy.

  • Characterized by severe memory disorders, confabulation, and a lack of insight.

  • Individuals may tell false stories they believe to be true, known as confabulation.

• Wet Brain: Common term associated with severe brain damage from alcohol abuse, which can include features of both Wernicke's encephalopathy and Korsakoff's syndrome.

Patient Characteristics

• Patient is in their fifties, experiencing:

  • Slow speech and difficulty in walking.

  • Tendency to recount grandiose and potentially fabricated stories (examples include meeting famous sports figures).

• Confabulation: The act of fabricating or misinterpreting memories without the intention to deceive, often seen in Korsakoff syndrome.

Class Discussion on Intelligence

• Identifying Intelligence: Students discuss characteristics that denote intelligence.

  • Ability to learn new things, high test scores, quick retention, and good memory.

  • Asking thoughtful questions and recognizing personal weaknesses (self-awareness) as indicators of intelligence.

  • Creativity and ability to explain concepts clearly are also valued traits.

Intelligence Measurement

• Rating Intelligence: Groups evaluating levels of intelligence from 1 to 10 based on the characteristics discussed.

  • High scores given for memory and problem-solving abilities.

• Francis Galton: The first person to study intelligence scientifically.

  • Introduced the concept of eugenics, aimed at improving human populations through controlled breeding.

Theories of Intelligence

• G Factor Theory: Suggests a general intelligence factor affects performance across various cognitive tasks.

• Multiple Intelligences: Proposes different types of intelligence exist (e.g., mechanical, verbal).

• Fluid vs. Crystallized Intelligence:

  • Fluid Intelligence: Ability to adapt and think on the spot, believed to be innate.

  • Crystallized Intelligence: Knowledge gained through experience over the years, which can improve with age.

IQ Testing

• Reliability and Validity of IQ Tests:

  • Reliability: Consistency of the test results on repeated administrations.

  • Validity: The degree to which the test measures what it purports to measure.

• Standardization: Ensures uniformity in testing conditions to obtain accurate measures across various demographics.

  • Tests should yield similar scores across diverse populations.

IQ Score Categories

• Average IQ: Generally around 100, with a standard deviation of 15.

• Categories according to IQ:

  • Mild Retardation: IQ 55-70.

  • Moderate Retardation: IQ 40-54.

  • Severe Retardation: IQ 25-39.

  • Profound Retardation: IQ 1-24.

• Expected functioning levels (e.g., IQ 55-70 can function at a sixth-grade level).