Individuals suffering from restless legs syndrome are approximately twice as likely to develop Parkinson's disease, according to research conducted by scientists at Korea University Ansan Hospital.
The findings, which appeared in JAMA Network Open in October 2025, could transform approaches to screening and treating neurological sleep conditions.
Researchers discovered treatment with dopamine agonist medications appeared to offer significant protection against Parkinson's.
The study suggests early identification of at-risk patients through their RLS diagnosis may prove crucial for safeguarding long-term brain health.
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Symptoms of RLS typically include unpleasant crawling or creeping sensations
|GETTY
The retrospective cohort investigation drew upon records from the Korean National Health Insurance Service Sample Cohort spanning 2002 to 2019.
Professor Jong Hun Kim from the Department of Neurology led the research team, which also included collaborators from Pohang Stroke and Spine Hospital and National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital.
Scientists identified 9,919 people diagnosed with RLS and matched them against an equal number of individuals without the condition. Participants were tracked over a median period of 15 years.
During this time, Parkinson's disease emerged in 1.6 per cent of those with RLS, compared with just 1.0 per cent among the control group.
The disparity between treated and untreated patients proved particularly striking.
Those who received no treatment for their RLS developed Parkinson's at a rate of 2.1 per cent, whilst individuals taking dopamine agonist therapy showed an incidence of merely 0.5 per cent.
Untreated patients also experienced earlier disease onset.
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"These findings indicate the existence of 'heterogeneity within RLS' which allows for multiple interpretations," Prof Kim explained.
"One of the interpretations is that restless legs syndrome may serve as an early clinical marker for Parkinson's disease, particularly among untreated individuals."
He added that dopamine agonist therapy may provide protective benefits to the brain's motor pathways.
The research team employed target-trial emulation methods to strengthen their conclusions, an advanced analytical technique designed to minimise bias in observational studies.
Beyond dopamine system dysfunction, the authors suggest that sleep disruption, iron deficiency, and immune or metabolic pathways may contribute to the association between the two conditions.
"This dual pattern underscores the importance of recognising and managing restless legs syndrome early," Prof Kim stated. "Monitoring and treating RLS may not only improve sleep quality but could also influence long-term neurological health."
The protective effect observed with dopamine agonist treatment could reflect neuroprotective mechanisms or better identification of genuine RLS cases distinct from early-stage Parkinson's.
Approximately 166,000 people live with Parkinson's across the UK | GETTYWhat is Restless Leg Syndrome?
The Boots website states: "It is thought to affect up to 10 per cent of the UK population but is commonly confused with other conditions with similar symptoms."
The signs typically can range from mild to severe and can vary in frequency. Some may experience them every day, while others may have them occasionally.
The most common symptoms include:
- An urge to move the legs or arms, usually caused, accompanied or followed by unpleasant crawling or creeping sensations.
- Itchy legs or a tickling feeling in the muscles, almost like you’ve got a scratch that seems impossible to reach.
- Involuntary jerking of the legs and/or arms is also known as periodic limb movements (PLM) during sleep.
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