Why Do Old People Shake? (Causes of Sudden Shaking in the Elderly)
Although shaking can occur at any age, some people develop tremors as they get older. Tremors are frequently confused with Parkinson’s disease, but there are many other common causes. Only your healthcare provider can diagnose and treat tremors.
Tremors and Aging
Shaking in the elderly can be caused by benign issues that go away on their own, or by underlying diseases. Age-related tremor is still being researched, but it is most likely a sign of neurodegeneration, according to ncbi.nlm.nhi.gov.
Causes of Tremor in the Elderly
There are a variety of reasons why you might shake your hands or make other involuntary movements as you get older.
Essential Tremor
Although there is no cure for essential tremor, there are therapies and treatments available to manage the symptoms. It can affect one or both hands and is typically worse during specific actions like drinking from a cup.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is more common in people over 60 years old, with 80% of patients experiencing involuntary movements. According to apda parkinson.org, only 1% of people over 60 have Parkinson’s disease. The disease causes muscle control to deteriorate, as well as a reduction in life expectancy.
What is shaking a symptom of?
Essential tremor is a neurological condition that affects approximately 10 million people in the United States and causes tremors in the hands, legs, body, or voice. Tremors can also be a symptom of Parkinson’s disease.
How do you stop old age shaking?
To lessen or eliminate tremors:
- Caffeine and other stimulants can exacerbate tremors.
- Alcohol should be used sparingly, if at all. Some people notice a slight improvement in their tremors after drinking alcohol, but drinking isn’t a good solution.
- Learn to relax.
- Make lifestyle changes.
What vitamin helps with tremors?
Vitamin E is another vitamin that may help prevent or delay Parkinson’s tremors. Antioxidant vitamins like vitamin E can help people with Parkinson’s disease control their handshaking and essential tremor.
Can vitamin D deficiency cause tremors?
They show that low vitamin D serum levels are linked to several HKMDs, including Huntington disease, Restless Legs Syndrome, and tremor, in up to 83% and 89% of patients, respectively.
What foods help tremors?
Essential tremor may be reduced by following a Mediterranean diet.
- Low levels of dairy, meat, and poultry.
- Low to moderate alcohol consumption.
- Vegetables, legumes, and fruits.
- Cereals (preferably whole grain)
- Fish.
- Monounsaturated fatty acids.
What drug makes you shake uncontrollably?
Cancer medicines like thalidomide and cytarabine, seizure medicines like valproic acid (Depakote) and sodium valproate (Depakene), and asthma medicines like theophylline and albuterol can all cause tremor.
Can magnesium help with tremors?
Magnesium deficiency is fairly common, and it can cause a variety of physical problems, including migraines, neuropathies, and tremors. Supplementing with magnesium can help to reduce the presence of tremor.
Does B12 deficiency cause tremors?
Vitamin B12 is essential for keeping your nervous system in good working order; severe deficiency is uncommon, but even mild deficiency can cause shakiness and tremors.
What are the first signs of B12 deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms
- A pale yellow tinge to your skin.
- a sore and red tongue (glossitis)
- mouth ulcers.
- Pins and needles (paraesthesia)
- changes in your walking and movement patterns.
- Disturbed vision.
- Irritability.
- Depression.
Can too much vitamin D cause tremor?
Vitamin D intoxication can also cause reversible Parkinsonism; the patient’s tremor increased during the overdose, but it gradually faded as time went on without the vitamin supplement; the most serious symptoms appeared about two weeks after the overdose was stopped.
What is the side effect of low vitamin D?
Muscle weakness, pain, fatigue, and depression are all symptoms of vitamin D deficiency; to get enough D, eat certain foods, take supplements, and get plenty of sun.
What is the most common type of tremor?
The most common type is essential tremor, which affects your hands but can also affect your head, voice, tongue, legs, and trunk. Parkinsonian tremor is a common symptom in people with Parkinson’s disease.