Update on Sjogren Syndrome and Other Causes of Sicca in Older Adults

Dryness of the eyes and mouth is a prevalent symptom in the population, especially among the elderly, and is most often related to the side effects of medications. However, there is a broad differential diagnosis for each symptom, and careful evaluation is important to define the cause and correct treatment. Sjogren syndrome is the prototype disease that leads to these symptoms and primarily affects perimenopausal women. The diagnosis requires demonstration of an autoimmune disease underlying the sicca manifestations, either serologically or pathologically. Management can involve both topical and systemic therapies.