Essential tremor in Rochester, Minnesota: a 45-year study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Essential tremor (ET) is a common neurological disorder.
• Long-term epidemiological data on ET incidence and prevalence are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence, prevalence, and survival rates of essential tremor.
• To investigate associated conditions and functional impact in ET patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of original medical records from Rochester, Minnesota residents (1935-1979).
• Analysis of age- and sex-adjusted incidence and prevalence rates.
• Comparison of survival rates with matched populations.

Main Results:

• Age-adjusted incidence was 23.7 per 100,000; prevalence was 305.6 per 100,000.
• Mean age at diagnosis was 58 years; incidence was similar in males and females.
• Functional handicap was minimal; alcohol use and comorbid conditions like hypertension and Parkinson's disease were noted.

Conclusions:

• Essential tremor has a stable incidence and prevalence.
• Survival is not significantly impacted by ET diagnosis.
• Comorbidities and functional impact are generally low in ET patients.