RLS & parkinsons

[hairyfairy]

I`ve read that RLS comes from the same area of the brain that parkinsons comes from, & I`m wondering if that means that as a RLS sufferer, I`m more likely to get parkinsons disease. That would really be too much, as I have enough trouble with RLS, I couldn`t cope with that as well!

[PinkEllie]

Don't worry HairyFairy, there is no evidence to suggest that. As an RLS sufferer you will develop Parkinsons' disease. The 'similarity' is that it responds to dopamine agonists which are used to treat PD but there are significant pieces of Neuroscientific research which indictae there is absolutely NO connection whatsoever.

I hope this puts your mind at ease?

[hairyfairy]

I`m glad to read that, because RLS is quite enough for me to deal with, without the threat of parkinsons as well!

[Hidden]

People with Parkinsons Disease can develope RLS, but as PinkEllie has said, not the other way round....

[Kaarina Administrator]

My neighbour had RLS before she was unfortunately diagnosed with Parkinsons. She is the only person I know that has had such continual, general bad luck in the 29 years that I have known her, either herself or one of her family.

I am of the same mind because of what has been said on this forum and what I read, that this does not follow on from RLS symptoms,, but it would appear it can happen, like anything is possible, I suppose.

Kaarina

[nightdancer in reply to Kaarina]

There are lots of studies to show that this cannot happen. She most likely had PD and was not diganosed with until after her RLS was diagnosed. There are dozens of studies to prove this just so no one gets confused. It is a common misunderstanding.

[nightdancer]

quite the opposite. People with Parkinson's are 11 times more likely to develop RLS, but not the other way around. Just some of the same meds are used for both. sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. It is different for different people.

[Kolla]

Hi there

I do not think that we rls are more likely do be Parkinson's than others. What we do have in common is where it comes from in the brain and the medicine. At least I think I have gone through the same bunch as my Parkinson's friend.

Starting with quinine, through sinamet, and others I have forgotten the names now. Now it is pramaplex /sifrol.

Had it not been for RLS and lack of sleep during the night I would have missed a lot of the beautiful sun and light during the summer here so some good things follow the RLS.