The frequency of alcoholism and alcohol related brain disorders in various regions of Oslo city. An autopsy study.

The autopsy materials from the 5-year period 1983-1987 from Ullevål and Aker Hospitals in Oslo were reviewed. All cases with alcoholism were recorded and the histological sections were re-examined with regard to the presence of Wernicke's encephalopathy and alcoholic cerebellar atrophy. The two materials were compared statistically in order to see whether any difference in the frequency of alcoholism and alcohol related brain disorders could be demonstrated between the geographic areas served by these two hospitals. The study revealed a significantly higher percentage of alcoholics in the Aker material which also had a higher proportion of alcoholics with cerebellar atrophy and Wernicke's encephalopathy, although not significant for the latter condition. These results indicate that alcoholism is particularly frequent in the north-eastern part of Oslo city and that this region also has a relatively high proportion of heavy drinkers.