2
          
          
            NaN
            
              3
            
            
              
            
          
          +
          2
          
          
            NaNO
            
              2
            
            
              
            
          
          +
          4
          
          
            H
            
              +
            
          
          ⟶
          3
          
          
            N
            
              2
            
            
              
            
          
          +
          2
          
          NO
          +
          4
          
          
            Na
            
              +
            
          
          +
          2
          
          
            H
            
              2
            
            
              
            
          
          O
        
      
    
    {\displaystyle {\ce {2 NaN3 + 2 NaNO2 + 4 H^+ -> 3 N2 + 2 NO + 4 Na^+ + 2 H2O}}}
  Above 330 °C sodium nitrite decomposes (in air) to sodium oxide, nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide.
Severe damage to the medial dorsal nucleus inevitably results in memory deficit. Additionally, autopsies of people who had KS have showed lesions in both the midline and anterior thalamus, and thalamic infarctions. Bilateral infarctions to the thalamus can result in Korsakoff-induced amnesia as well. These findings imply damage to anterior thalamic nuclei can result in disruptive memory. Risk factors
A number of factors may increase a persons risk to develop Korsakoff syndrome. These factors are often related to general health and diet. Age
Alcoholism
Chemotherapy
Dialysis
Extreme dieting
Genetic factors

Diagnosis
KS is primarily a clinical diagnosis; imaging and lab tests are not necessary. Prevention
The most effective method of preventing AKS is to avoid thiamine deficiency. In Western nations, the most common causes of such a deficiency are alcoholism and eating disorders. Because these are behavioral-induced causes, Korsakoff syndrome is essentially considered a preventable disease. Thus, fortifying foods with thiamine, or requiring companies that sell alcoholic beverages to supplement them with B vitamins in general or thiamine in particular, could avert many cases. Treatment
It was once assumed that anyone with KS would eventually need full-time care. This is still often the case, but rehabilitation can help regain some, albeit often limited, level of independence. Treatment involves the replacement or supplementation of thiamine by intravenous or intramuscular injection, together with proper nutrition and hydration. However, the amnesia and brain damage caused by the disease does not always respond to thiamine replacement therapy. In some cases, drug therapy is recommended.