title: [Restless legs syndrome in the elderly: an unrecognized disorder].
abstract: The restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a frequent, often unrecognized disorder in the elderly. The diagnosis is essentially based on the clinical history. The RLS is characterized by (1) an urge to move the limbs, usually associated with abnormal sensations in the legs; (2) symptoms are worse at rest; (3) they are relieved by movements; (4) they mainly occur in the evening or at night. Specific diagnostic criteria have been developed for cognitively impaired elderly persons. The RLS is a chronic disorder with high impact on sleep and quality of life. Treatment is symptomatic and recommended drugs are dopaminergic agents, opioids, and gabapentine.
authors.affiliation: Département de gériatrie, Réseau Santé Valais, Sion.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Biselx
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Büla
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ghika
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000150:complications; D000588:Amines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D015259:Dopamine Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D009294:Narcotics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011788:Quality of Life; D012148:Restless Legs Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D014149:Tranquilizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D015259:Dopamine Agents; D009294:Narcotics; D014149:Tranquilizing Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin