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Essential tremor--a neurodegenerative disorder associated with cognitive defects?
1Department of Neurology, University Hospital Doce de Octubre, Avenida de Córdoba s/n, Madrid 28041, Spain. fbermejop2004@yahoo.es
Nature Reviews. Neurology
|April 14, 2011
Summary
Essential tremor may involve more than just shaking. Research suggests it is a slowly progressive neurodegenerative disorder with associated cognitive deficits and an increased risk of dementia.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Essential tremor (ET) was historically viewed as a monosymptomatic disorder.
- Emerging evidence suggests ET is linked to subtle neurological deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review nonmotor neurological symptoms in essential tremor.
- To highlight cognitive deficits associated with essential tremor.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical studies.
- Analysis of neuroimaging, electrophysiological, and pathological data.
- Consideration of population-based surveys.
Main Results:
- Essential tremor is associated with mild attention, executive function, and memory deficits.
- Cognitive dysfunction affects patients with both mild and severe essential tremor.
- Essential tremor may progress and increase dementia risk.
Conclusions:
- Essential tremor exhibits nonmotor symptoms and cognitive deficits.
- Symptoms resemble cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome.
- Further prospective studies are needed to confirm ET as a slowly progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
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