Causes of Tremors In the Elderly

Many older adults develop tremors after age 70. While this symptom alone is not life threatening, it correlates with higher risks for dementia and can affect quality of life.

Specifically, trembling hands pose a challenge for certain activities of daily living, from holding objects to preparing food and driving. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms, what should you know?

Types of Tremors

In general, tremors fall into one of two types:

• Action Tremors: Shaking that occurs as you’re attempting to perform a specific motion or task. This could be writing with a pen or reaching for and holding onto an object. Action tremors stem from muscle contractions and typically do not signal a neurological disorder.
• Resting Tremors: Emerge regardless of whether you perform a specific action and can be seen while your hands are stationary. Resting tremors can signal the development of a neurological disorder, particularly Parkinson’s disease.

Potential Causes

Developing tremors after age 70 can be a result of the following factors.

An Underlying Health Condition

Tremors may indicate the development of a serious or chronic health condition, including a stroke, liver or kidney failure, hyperthyroidism or PTSD.

Brain Injury

After a brain injury, such as a stroke that affects the thalamus or basal ganglia region, tremors can have a lasting effect. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can alter how the body moves, potentially contributing to tremors.

Neurological Conditions

Tremors may be a symptom of a neurological condition, including:

• Parkinson’s Disease: The hands may shake while at rest. This symptom can be accompanied by other involuntary movements.
• Multiple Sclerosis: This condition begins as a result of damage to the myelin sheath, which protects the nerves present in your brain and spinal cord. Tremors occur when the cerebellum experiences additional damage.
• Huntington’s Disease: Involuntary, sometimes jerking movements are a characteristic of Huntington’s disease. Along with hand tremors, you may experience shaking in the hands, face or other parts of the upper body.
• Essential Tremor: This fairly common and genetic neurological disorder among older adults is characterized by shaking in the hands, arms and legs. Shaking may increase in response to stress, fatigue, consuming caffeine or hot and cold temperatures.

Lifestyle

Tremors may occur in response to:

Medication Side Effects

Shaking in the hands and other parts of the body can be a side effect of certain medications commonly taken by older adults. These include:

Nutritional Issues

A vitamin B12 deficiency increases risks for dementia and can start to affect nerve health, resulting in tremors.

Treatment of Tremors

As tremors can worsen over time, you’re advised to discuss the issue with your doctor. Treatment and management of tremors may include:

• Identifying Triggers: Especially for action tremors or shakiness in response to anxiety and stress, know which factors incite this condition and limit them when you can.
• Discuss Medications: Ask your doctor about side effects of each medication you take, as well as interactions.
• Medical History: Your doctor may want to discuss your medical history, from genetic health conditions to cardiovascular concerns and cognitive changes.
• Activities of Daily Living: Your doctor may assess your ability to complete select activities of daily living and discuss modifications in response to your results.
• Testing: Your doctor may request imaging and blood work to identify an underlying health or neurological issue, from Parkinson’s disease to a thyroid disorder.
• Making Lifestyle Changes: You may be asked to avoid caffeine, alcohol and to perform a relaxation-based activity, like yoga or meditation.
• Medication: If changes and adaptations do not help, your doctor may recommend a medication designed to treat tremors, Botox injections, high-frequency ablation or deep brain stimulation to control their frequency.

Are you concerned about tremors? Bring them to the attention of the medical team at West Hartford Health and Rehabilitation Center. To learn about our services, contact us today.