Restless Legs Syndrome Risk Factors, Behaviors, and Diagnoses in Persons With Early to Moderate Dementia and Sleep Disturbance

Abstract

In this study, restless legs syndrome (RLS) risk factors, RLS-associated behaviors, and the ability to understand and answer an RLS diagnostic interview were investigated. In 23 older adults with early to moderate dementia and nighttime sleep disturbance, the most common risk factors for RLS were a periodic leg movement sleep index > 15 (54.55%), based on polysomnography, and use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (34.78%). The most common RLS-associated behaviors were repetitious mannerisms (56.52%) and general restlessness (34.78%), according to direct observation from research assistants. Finally, older adults with early to moderate dementia were unable to understand and reliably answer the RLS diagnostic interview. Older persons with mild to moderate dementia and sleep disturbance may require objective diagnostics to identify RLS.