[The prevention of Korsakoff's syndrome by offering involuntary care?].

BACKGROUND

The new draft Law on care and coercion focuses on the care of people with a psychogeriatric disorder or intellectual disability. Perhaps this law can be applied to people suffering from chronic alcoholism, associated with an increased risk of Korsakoff's syndrome.

AIM: To explore whether the new draft law on care and coercion can be applied to people suffering from chronic alcoholism who still live at home.

METHOD: A description of possibilities of involuntary homecare to people suffering from chronic alcoholism based on literature, current legislation and two new draft laws.

RESULTS

It seems possible to apply the law care and coercion to people suffering from chronic alcoholism.

CONCLUSION

The application of the draft law care and coercion offers the possibility of providing involuntary homecare to people suffering from chronic alcoholism, enabling the administration of thiamine. This reduces the chances of developing Korsakoff's syndrome. Further research is necessary to explore the practical possibilities in offering involuntary care.