Why does the elderly’s hands shake when they hold things?

Some friends may find that the elderly in their family have hand tremors when they pick up things in life, because such a situation may be caused by certain diseases. The obvious symptom of Parkinson's disease is hand tremor, so if you want to know the cause of hand tremor in the elderly, you have to look at the following information.

Why do old people shake when they hold things? Parkinson's disease is one of the reasons

Shouke TCM said that the annoying hand tremors in the elderly are probably caused by Parkinson's disease, also known as tremor paralysis. Parkinson's disease is caused by insufficient levels of a chemical called dopamine in the substantia nigra-pallidum system of the brain. The limbs shake regularly, about 4-8 times per second, often most severely when inactive. In addition to shaking, there are also symptoms such as stiff limbs and difficulty in movement. If left untreated, the condition will gradually worsen. In severe cases, the patient cannot even turn over in bed, cannot stand up after sitting down, and cannot take a step after standing up.

Why do old people shake when they hold things? Essential tremor is also a condition

Essential tremor is the most common type of hand tremor in the elderly. Not only will the patient's hands and feet tremble, but the head, face, lips, tongue and jaw may also tremble involuntarily. The shaking is noticeable during activities, and worsens when tired, cold, or emotionally nervous or excited. It often decreases or even disappears when quiet. This disease is a genetically predisposed disease and the condition is stable. Apart from shaking, there are no other changes, so some people call it "benign tremor". However, you should go to the hospital for diagnosis and whether to treat it will be decided by the doctor.

Usually hand tremors are divided into physiological hand tremors and pathological hand tremors. Normal people may experience physiological hand tremors in certain situations, but they are not diseases and do not need to be treated. This type of hand tremor has a small amplitude and a fast speed, and often occurs when you are quiet. It is a small, fast, irregular tremor, which is often related to mental tension, fear, emotional excitement, etc.

Of course, hand tremors alone cannot determine the diagnosis. There are more than ten common diseases that cause hand tremors. This requires professional doctors to make comprehensive judgments based on other symptoms in order to carry out targeted treatment. Take Parkinson's disease as an example. It often starts with the shaking of one finger when it is quiet. It develops slowly and gradually invades one upper limb and lower limb. Then similar symptoms appear on the other side, accompanied by muscle stiffness, soreness and fatigue. The handwriting becomes smaller and smaller. Fine movements are difficult to complete. The movements are slow. Walking takes small steps and rushes forward. The face lacks expression. Some patients may also have symptoms such as excessive sweating, constipation, and greasy skin.