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Elderly-onset essential tremor is associated with dementia.
Julián Benito-León1, Elan D Louis, Félix Bermejo-Pareja
1Department of Neurology, Móstoles General Hospital, Madrid, Spain. jbenitol@meditex.es
Neurology
|May 24, 2006
Summary
Older-onset essential tremor (ET) is linked to a higher prevalence of dementia. Further research is needed to confirm this association between ET and dementia.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Essential tremor (ET) is a common neurological disorder.
- The relationship between ET and dementia remains unclear.
- Understanding this association is crucial for geriatric care and neurological research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between essential tremor (ET) and the prevalence of dementia.
- To determine if ET increases the risk of developing dementia.
Main Methods:
- Population-based study in central Spain (Neurological Disorders in Central Spain [NEDICES] Study).
- Identified individuals with dementia and ET.
- Dementia diagnosed using DSM-IV criteria.
Main Results:
- 11.4% of ET cases had dementia compared to 6.0% of controls.
- Older-onset ET (after age 65) was significantly associated with dementia (OR = 1.70).
- ET with tremor onset at or before age 65 showed no increased dementia risk.
Conclusions:
- Essential tremor with onset in older age is associated with dementia.
- Prospective studies are necessary to confirm the causal relationship.
- This finding highlights a potential link between ET and cognitive decline.