Symptom 8. Caught in the Web of Confabulation: The Fabricated Tales of WKS
Diving further into the complex world of Wernicke Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) symptoms, we come face to face with confabulation. This intriguing symptom sees individuals unintentionally creating and believing in fabricated stories, ensnaring them in a web of fictional tales.
Confabulation in WKS often arises from memory gaps due to amnesia. To fill these gaps, the brain unconsciously constructs imaginary narratives. The result is a tapestry of tales, so convincingly spun that the weaver themselves believe it to be true.
These confabulated stories aren’t lies or deceptions. The person genuinely believes in them. They could recount a fantastical adventure with the conviction of a person reminiscing a cherished memory. The line between reality and fiction becomes blurred, adding a layer of complexity to their cognitive world.
However, confabulation isn’t just about filling memory gaps. It’s a testament to the remarkable power of the human brain. Even when faced with significant cognitive challenges, the brain attempts to maintain continuity, spinning tales to keep the narrative of life uninterrupted. (8)
