Introduction: Depression is a chronic and prevalent disorder among elders. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is one of the possible risk factors for depression. This study aimed to investigate association between RLS and depression in elderly.
Method: From April to May in 2014, a total of 350 home residential elderly were included to this case-control study using cluster sampling method. All cases were divided into two groups (depressed and non- depressed) using Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and they were matched in age, gender, education and body mass index (BMI). Screening questionnaire to identify intensity of RLS was used. Data were analyzed using SPSS 18 software, descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney u, Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test when appropriate. P value <0.05 was considered as statically significant.
Results: 37 cases (21.1%) of depressed people and 13 (7.4%) of not-depressed people had RLS. There was a significant association between RLS and depression in elderly (p=0.001). The odds ratio for RLS in depressed people was 3.34 times compared to not-depressed people (p-value=0.001, OR=3.34, CI 95%=1.71-6.53). Also RLS was significantly more prevalent in women than men (p=0.004).
Conclusion:  There are association between RLS and depression in elderly patients. Given the high prevalence of RLS in elders and its association with  depression, implementation of screening methods in order to identify RLS in elders and conducting depression prevention measures seems to be necessary.