Wet Brain Syndrome

Family members and friends are crucial in helping a patient with wet brain syndrome fully recover. In the long term, it is essential to ensure that their loved one continues to abstain from consuming alcohol, maintains a nutritious and balanced diet, and stays adequately hydrated. In the short term, ensure that your loved one continues to follow the physician’s recommendations regarding daily thiamine intake.

Some other tips to keep in mind while supporting a loved one with a wet brain include the following:

Keep your expectations realistic and reasonable

Even if your loved one abstains from alcohol and works on replenishing their thiamine levels, they may continue to show some signs of a wet brain, such as lack of coordination, confusion, and memory troubles. Remember to recognize and associate these symptoms as a part of the disease due to irreversible damage to the brain and the rest of the nervous system. Do not consider them unimpaired just because they can conduct entertaining and intelligent conversations from time to time. They still require your support and help in day-to-day life.

Safety first

The caregivers of a person with wet brain syndrome must take precautions to make their loved one and other house members as secure as possible. If the affected person is disoriented or exhibiting confusion, do not leave them alone at home. Make sure someone is always watching them so they do not wander away from home, leaving the tap running or the stove on.

Be kind in your responses

Wet brain syndrome often causes short-term memory problems that may leave your loved one confused and repeating the same questions repeatedly. This frequent repetition may sound annoying initially, but remind yourself that this is not their fault or intention. To deal with these tiny issues, keep the following strategies in mind:

• Practice patience and respond to them calmly. If your voice is angry or loud, the confused person may pick on your mood and become frustrated 
• Place different reminders in the house to help them feel more secure. For example, you may put labels inside the drawers and doors with pictures or words of what’s inside them. Alternatively, put a sticky note on the fridge regarding meal times 
• Consider distracting them with another activity or topic, for example, taking them for a walk or discussing an old photograph

If your loved one continues to experience agitation and anger, discuss these symptoms of wet brain and anger with a physician, psychiatrist, or neurologist. They may prescribe a suitable medication to control these outbursts.

Do not forget yourself

In addition to taking care of the affected person, consider getting some support and time off for yourself. Take a break from the constant caregiving time to attend to your own every once in a while. You may: 

• Plan periodic respites for yourself by asking for help from another family member, friend, or a home care worker
• Focus on the fundamental acts of self-care, such as getting enough sleep, eating well, and going for regular medical check-ups
• Continue your social life by planning to dine out with friends as someone else takes care of the affected individual