Restless legs syndrome in older adults.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological disorder characterized by an urge to move the legs. The symptoms show a strong circadian rhythmicity, with onset or increase in the evening or at night; thus, sleep disturbances are the most frequent reason for patients seeking medical aid. The prevalence of the disorder increases strongly with age, with an estimated 9% to 20% of sufferers being among the elderly. Dopaminergic drugs are the first-line treatment option in RLS; opioids and anticonvulsants can also be used either as add-on or stand alone therapy options. Secondary forms of RLS and possible interaction with other medications require particular consideration in the elderly.
Spiegelhalder
Kai
K
Sleep Disorders Center, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 5, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany.
Hornyak
Magdolna
M
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D052160:Benzothiazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077465:Cabergoline; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D018491:Dopamine Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004873:Ergolines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007211:Indoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017286:Polysomnography; D000077487:Pramipexole; D015995:Prevalence; D012148:Restless Legs Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology
D052160:Benzothiazoles; D018491:Dopamine Agonists; D004873:Ergolines; D007211:Indoles; C046649:ropinirole; D000077487:Pramipexole; D000077465:Cabergoline