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.
Subject(s)
Restless Legs Syndrome/diagnosis , Aged, 80 and over , Alzheimer Disease/complications , Amines/therapeutic use , Anticonvulsants/therapeutic use , Benzodiazepines/therapeutic use , Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids/therapeutic use , Diagnosis, Differential , Dopamine Agents/therapeutic use , Female , Gabapentin , Humans , Narcotics/therapeutic use , Quality of Life , Restless Legs Syndrome/complications , Restless Legs Syndrome/drug therapy , Sleep Wake Disorders/etiology , Tranquilizing Agents/therapeutic use , gamma-Aminobutyric Acid/therapeutic useABSTRACT
This review discuss several studies published in 2007 that will modify current therapeutic attitudes. New evidence confirm that antipsychotics increase mortality in demented elderly persons with behavioral symptoms. Unfortunately, donepezil was no more effective than placebo to treat agitation in these patients. Aspirine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, as well as supplementation with folate, vitamines B6 and B12 did not prove beneficial to prevent cognitive decline. Hormonal substitution with DHEA, testosterone, and growth hormone is ineffective as anti-aging medicine, while calcium and vitamin d'effectiveness was confirmed in fracture prevention. Finally, several studies report prognostic information that will prove important to improve preparation plan for future heat wave.
