Prevalence and Determinants of Restless Legs Syndrome (Willis-Ekbom Disease) in an Older Greek Population

Ioannis Liampas, Vasileios Siokas, Andreas Kyrozis, George Sakoutis, Mary Yannakoulia, Mary H. Kosmidis, Paraskevi Sakka, Giorgos K. Sakkas, Christoforos D. Giannaki, Ioannis Stefanidis, Nikolaos Scarmeas, Efthimios Dardiotis, Georgios M. Hadjigeorgiou

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objectives: The present study aimed to explore the descriptive and analytic epidemiology of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in the older Greek population, with a specific focus on lifestyle indicators. Methods: Baseline data from the randomly selected non-demented older participants of the population-based HELIAD cohort were analyzed. Multivariable binary logistic regression with RLS diagnosis as the dichotomous dependent outcome was performed. Demographic, socioeconomic, anthropometric, dietary, sleep-related and psychological parameters, physical activity, use of psychoactive substances and personal medical history were investigated for potential associations. Results: A total of 133 from the eligible sample of 1,838 participants were diagnosed with RLS. The mean age-sex standardized prevalence of RLS among the elderly was estimated at 6.1% (95%CI = 5.0–7.2), with a female (8.0%, 95%CI = 6.4–9.6) to male (3.7%, 95%CI = 2.4–5.1) ratio of 2.1. The prevalence of RLS peaked during the 8th decade of life and diminished thereafter. The positive associations of RLS with female sex [OR = 2.06, 95%CI = (1.19–3.57)], anxiety levels [assessed by the 22-point HADS scale, OR = 1.08, 95%CI = (1.03–1.13)] and traumatic brain injury [OR = 2.22, 95%CI = (1.37–3.62)] were reproduced. Good sleep quality was related to 55% [95%CI~(24–83%)] lower odds of having RLS in comparison with both poor and moderate quality. Adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern [assessed by a 55-point scale, OR = 1.06, 95%CI = (1.01–1.11)], and low daily energy intake [low-moderate vs. low: OR = 0.45, 95%CI = (0.26–0.79)]; [moderate-high vs. low: OR = 0.69, 95%CI = (0.40–1.22)]; [high vs. low: OR = 0.31, 95%CI = (0.13–0.69)] were related to RLS for the first time. Conclusions: More emphasis should be placed on the dietary-nutritional aspects of RLS.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)411-423
Number of pages13
JournalBehavioral Sleep Medicine
Volume21
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

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