Sjögren's syndrome can also affect the brain and spinal cord. The most common form of this involvement is demyelination (damage to the myelin, which is the material that covers and protects nerves), leading to symptoms and signs similar to what is seen in multiple sclerosis.
Sjögren's syndrome can cause nerve damage which regulates the coordination of heartbeat, respiration, and gastric motility. This is called an “autonomic neuropathy.” Examples of symptoms include lightheadedness when standing, decreased or increased sweating, and feeling full despite eating small meals.
The CNS manifestations of pSS include diffuse abnormalities (psychiatric changes, encephalopathy, aseptic meningitis, and cognitive difficulties/dementia) and focal or multifocal involvement of the brain and spinal cord leading to motor and sensory deficits, seizures, aphasia, and optic neuropathy [12, 31].
Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a rheumatic disease that may include central nervous system (CNS) complications, including demyelinating diseases that can affect the brain and the spinal-cord.
Global cognitive impairment in Sjögren's
Most patients experience “brain fog” symptoms, which manifest as memory lapses, forgetfulness, mental confusion, and difficulties in concentrating, organizing, or anticipating future events.
Association between Sjögren's syndrome and dementia
The overall pooled results showed that SS was associated with an increased risk of dementia (HR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.15–1.33, p < 0.001).
Sjögren's syndrome is no exception; people with this disease have been shown to be at higher risk of psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders. However, exact rates vary based on a number of factors, such as sex and age, and these haven't always been taken into account in previous studies.
MRI of patients with primary Sjögren syndrome has shown multiple areas of increased signal intensity in the periventricular and subcortical white matter (WM) on FLAIR and T2-weighted images [7–10]. These findings have been observed in both patients with and those without CNS impairment [7–10].
If Sjögren's syndrome isn't treated appropriately, significant, long-term complications could result that affect your eyes, mouth, lungs, kidneys, liver or lymph nodes — complications including blindness, significant dental destruction and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Over time, the immune system for people with Sjogren's syndrome can damage other parts of your body, including joints, nerves, skin, and organs such as kidneys, liver, and lungs. These long-term consequences can be quite debilitating.
The lymphoaggressive nature of the disease appears to lead SS patients from stage I to II and from stage II to III. However, stage III patients made up only 5% of SS patients. Many patients remain stable in stages I or II for as long as 10 or 20 years.
Sjogren's Syndrome patients often complain of mental fatigue or “brain fog.” Brain fog impairs focus, causes fuzzy concentration, and contributes to difficulty in problem-solving.
The 'Central Nervous System' – or CNS – includes the brain and the spinal cord. The 'Peripheral Nervous System' – or PNS – includes larger and smaller nerves, connecting muscles to the spinal cord. Sjögren's Syndrome can cause inflammation and damage to the CNS and PNS.
Overview. Sjogren's (SHOW-grins) syndrome is a disorder of your immune system identified by its two most common symptoms — dry eyes and a dry mouth. The condition often accompanies other immune system disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
The main symptom is dry eyes; the patient may feel a burning, stinging or gritty sensation. Other possible symptoms are blurred vision or sensitivity to intense light, specifically fluorescent light.
Conclusion: Patients with primary Sjögren syndrome have WMHIs and gray and white matter atrophy, probably related to cerebral vasculitis.
Being mentally active
Exercising is a good way to keep “brain fog” at bay. Take an active part in daily activities, interact with people, and socialize. Learning new skills and reading books are great ways to keep the brain active.
The non-vasculitic peripheral and cranial neuropathies are managed first with tricyclic antidepressants or anti-epileptics (e.g. gabapentin, pregabilin, carbamazepine). For individuals who fail to respond, intravenous immunoglobulin (0.4 g/kg/d for 5 days) may be beneficial.
Share on Pinterest Sjogren's is caused by white blood cells mistakenly attacking moisture-producing glands. The causes of Sjogren's remain largely unknown. Studies have indicated that a viral or bacterial infection may trigger the disease, but that the underlying cause is primarily genetic and environmental.
The disorder can affect the nervous system, muscles, joints, kidneys, lungs, blood vessels, liver, and pancreas. Sjögren's syndrome is a long-lasting disorder that affects females more often than men.
Autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren's syndrome are highly likely to be triggered by environmental factors such as pollution, infections, certain medications, diet, and allergy-causing agents. Make a note of potential environmental triggers, and try to steer clear of them as much as possible.
Patients with pSS have an increased risk of newly diagnosed depressive and/or anxiety disorders and sleep disorders that may impair their quality of life [4,13,14]. Moreover, unpredictable course of the disease and increased risk of developing lymphoma may additionally affect psychological status of pSS patients [15].
Falk: What kinds of factors can make Sjogren's worse? What is the effect, for example, of stress? Jonas: Well, like all autoimmune diseases, patients who feel stressed or are under unusual stress will often have exacerbation of their symptoms. Learning to manage that stress in your life is very important.
Thyroid problems and anemia are common in Sjogren's syndrome patients and can cause fatigue. Usually, fatigue due to thyroid dysfunction and anemia can be resolved when the underlying problem is taken care of.