MEDIA: RLS in Healthy Aging, Mt Sinai newsletter

[Guest guest]

Howdy,

Someone sent me a copy of " Focus on Healthy Aging " published by Mount Sinai

(NY) School of Medicine, Vol 2 Number 4, April 1999. It has a short article

on RLS. Since it's short (and otherwise not available on the 'net) I've

attached below.

Feedback to FOHA can be sent to: Editor, Focus on Healthy Aging, Torstar

Publications, 99 Hawley Lane, Stratford CT 06614. (no email addy given).

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On front page: " Help for restless leg syndrome - page 2 "

On page 2:

" Good Night's Sleep for People With Restless Leg Syndrome "

About 15% of Americans have restless leg syndrome

(akathisia), a disorder that causes uncomfortable,

uncontrollable leg movements. The discomfort is

relieved by moving the legs. When this syndrome

happens at night, it can be difficult to fall asleep

and stay asleep. People with restless legs syndrome

tend to suffer from extreme drowsiness during the day.

The cause is unknown, but it tends to be more common

and more severe in people over age 50.

Nonpharmacologic relief for restless leg syndrome

includes exercising, massaging your legs, taking

a hot bath, and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and

cigarette smoking.

Researchers have recently discovered that the drug

pergolide can alleviate the symptoms. The drug more

commonly used is levodopa, which is metabolized in the

brain as dopamine. Its effect wears off after a few

hours. Pergolide mimics the action of dopamine in the

brain and maintains its effectiveness throughout the

night.

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