The most common cause is an essential tremor, which often is inherited and considered benign. Shaky hands may occur with conditions that affect only the hands or with conditions that affect the other parts of the body, such as generalized diseases of the neuromuscular system or central nervous system.
Causes of Tremors in the Elderly
For example, tremors can result from multiple sclerosis, stroke, liver failure, kidney failure, PTSD, alcohol abuse, hyperthyroidism, depression, Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury, and others.
Tremors and Aging
Shaking in elderly populations can occur because of benign issues that resolve on their own, or they can be caused by underlying diseases. Not all older adults experience shaking as they age — but if movement disorders run in your family, there's a higher chance you will develop trembling as well.
Mild hand tremors that do not affect a person's daily life are not usually a cause for concern. However, if a person experiences severe or persistent hand tremors that interfere with their daily activities, they should see a doctor to help determine the cause.
Essential tremor is a nervous system (neurological) disorder that causes involuntary and rhythmic shaking. It can affect almost any part of your body, but the trembling occurs most often in your hands — especially when you do simple tasks, such as drinking from a glass or tying shoelaces.
When you become anxious, stressed or even angry, your nerves are heightened, causing shakiness. Some medications. Some people are more sensitive to medication than others. Asthma medications, antidepressants, lithium and even antihistamines can cause your hands to shake.
One of the most common symptoms of dementia is a decline in motor control. You will notice your loved one shaking much like a Parkinson's symptom, except they do not carry this diagnosis. You may notice their hands tremor or they shuffle when they walk, or walk much more slowly than usual.
Tremors or shaking can occur as a result of being tired or of exerting the muscles, such as through exercise, moving, or other activities. Someone may experience shaking due to stress or emotional strain. If your parent is taking medications, they may also experience shaking as a side effect of these conditions.
So a person who has motor symptoms (such as weakness or shaking hands) or sensory symptoms (such as numbness) probably has a condition other than Alzheimer's disease. Conditions such as Parkinson's disease, for instance, may cause motor symptoms along with dementia.
A deficiency of vitamin B12, B-6, or B-1 could lead to the development of hand tremors. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin B12 for adults is 6 mcg, but you may need more if you take a medication that hinders vitamin absorption.
Though the tremor can start at any age, it most often appears for the first time during adolescence or in middle age (between ages 40 and 50). Small amounts of alcohol may help decrease essential tremor, but the mechanism behind this is unknown.
Key points about vascular dementia
Symptoms can include problems with memory and focus, confusion, changes in personality and behavior, loss of speech and language skills, and sometimes physical symptoms such as weakness or tremors.
All individuals experience Alzheimer's disease differently. Shaking, although not a characteristic symptom of the illness, may occur in some individuals.
Common signs and symptoms include acting out one's dreams in sleep, seeing things that aren't there (visual hallucinations), and problems with focus and attention. Other signs include uncoordinated or slow movement, tremors, and rigidity (parkinsonism). Frontotemporal dementia.
When someone has trembling hands or involuntary movements in their arms, legs or head, people tend to conclude the shaking is a sign of Parkinson's disease. However, the symptoms may be the result of a more common, less severe condition called essential tremor.
If tremors continue for a period of time, you should visit a doctor. There is no test to definitively diagnose movement disorders, so a thorough physical performed by a specially trained neurologist is the best diagnostic tool.
High Blood Pressure, Loss Of Coordination, Shaking And Shaking Hands Or Tremor. Your symptoms and signs match a wide variety of different medical conditions, including high blood pressure or a disorder of your muscles. If you have had an emotionally traumatic experience, an acute stress reaction is another possibility.
If fluids are not quickly replenished, the blood thickens and the entire body goes into a state of alarm, and thus begins to cramp or shake. The risk of dehydration is especially high among children or elderly people.
Feeling weak or shaky is a common acute symptom of a heart attack in a female. This weakness or shaking may be accompanied by: anxiety. dizziness.
ET generally presents bilaterally and is primarily seen during action, such as when writing or eating, or when holding a posture, for example, when holding an object against gravity. On the other hand, parkinsonian tremor most often presents unilaterally and later progresses to include both sides of the body.
Essential tremor (ET) is a neurological disorder that causes your hands, head, trunk, voice or legs to shake rhythmically.