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

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. © 2022 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.