Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation to hold support group meeting

Sjogren's Syndrome Support Group will hold a meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13 at St. Joseph's Hospital, 2605 Harlem Road, Cheektowaga.

The event will feature guest speaker Robert E. Kaprove, a numerologist in the Buffalo area.

The Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation is a foundation designed to fight Sjogrens Syndrome, a chronic disease in which white blood cells attack and destroy the moisture-producing glands, causing decreased production of saliva and tears.

The disease is the second most prevalent autoimmune disorder, striking as many as 4 million Americans.

The hallmark symptoms are dry eyes and dry mouth. Sjogren's also may cause dryness of other organs, affecting the kidneys, gastro-intestinal system, blood vessels, lung, liver, pancreas and the central nervous system.

Nine out of 10 Sjogren's patients are women. The average age of diagnosis is the late 40s although it can occur in all age groups; men, children and teenagers are also affected.

Sjogren's is frequently undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. The average time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis is more than six years.

Sjogren's mimics other diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.

The disease, however, is treatable. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent serious complications and greatly improve the quality of life.

For more information on the disease contact the SSF at 301-718-0300 or visit www.sjogrens.org.