Korsakoff's psychosis is characterized by what key cognitive deficit?

Korsakoff's psychosis, also known as Korsakoff syndrome, is primarily associated with a significant impairment in the ability to learn new information, which stems from severe thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency often related to chronic alcohol misuse. Individuals with this condition typically exhibit anterograde amnesia, meaning they struggle to acquire new memories and may also experience retrograde amnesia—difficulty recalling past events, although this primarily affects more recent memories. The inability to learn new information is a hallmark of the syndrome, as individuals may not retain new experiences or facts, which significantly impacts their daily functioning.

While other options mention aspects such as severe memory loss from childhood or heightened emotional responses, these are not defining characteristics of Korsakoff's psychosis. Enhanced cognitive function is contradictory to the condition's primary characteristics, making it clearly distinct from the key cognitive deficit present in individuals suffering from this syndrome. Understanding these nuances helps clarify the specific cognitive challenges faced by those with Korsakoff's psychosis, emphasizing the critical importance of thiamine in cognitive health.