A PHARMACIST LED PARADIGM FOR WERNICKE-KORSAKOFF SYNDROME: IMPROVING PREVENTION, DETECTION AND PATIENT ADVOCACY

Sadhna Kumari*, Poojan Sharma, Pooja Kumari, Lalita Sharma, Anjali Kumari, Nidhi Sharma

Wernicke Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS), a crippling neurological disorder brought on by a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1), frequently results in irreversible brain damage because it is frequently overlooked in its early stages. This review article advocates for a fundamental shift away from reactive treatment to an innovative, pharmacist-centered strategy emphasizing patient support, early detection and prevention. Pharmacists can play a crucial role because of their accessibility and frequent interaction with high-risk groups (such as patients with chronic alcohol consumption, poor nutrition or post bariatric surgery status). By identifying susceptible people and recommending preventative thiamine supplementation, pharmacists can spearhead prophylactic initiatives, according to the proposed model. The study also looks at the pharmacist's ability to quickly identify warning signs during patient consultations, which can lead to an urgent medical evaluation. Finally, it outlines the pharmacist's role as an essential patient advocate who verifies proper thiamine protocols, promotes medication compliance and collaborates with other medical specialists to enhance patients' long-term health. Adopting this pharmacist-driven framework represents a major advancement for patient wellness, community health by providing a potent method to reduce the frequency and severity of WKS.