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.
Sleep Disorders Center, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 5, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany.
Kai
K
Spiegelhalder
Magdolna
M
Hornyak
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