What causes hand tremors in the elderly?
Mar 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Introduction
In general, hand tremors in the elderly may be caused by natural aging, emotional fluctuations, essential tremor, hyperthyroidism, Parkinson's disease, or other factors, and symptomatic management through general treatments, medication, and other methods may be necessary. It is recommended to regularly perform fine motor activities with the hands, such as picking up beans or grains of rice, to exercise the hand muscles and help improve hand strength.
Generally, hand tremors in the elderly may be caused by natural aging, emotional fluctuations, essential tremor, hyperthyroidism, Parkinson's disease, or other factors. Symptomatic management through general treatments, medications, and other methods is recommended. If discomfort persists, it is advised to seek timely medical attention and undergo appropriate treatment under a physician's guidance. A detailed explanation is as follows:
1. Natural Aging
With advancing age, the function of the nervous system gradually declines, and muscular control weakens, which may lead to mild hand tremors. It is recommended to maintain regular physical exercise in daily life to enhance muscle strength and flexibility, which can help alleviate mild hand tremors.
2. Emotional Fluctuations
When elderly individuals feel anxious, tense, or excited, stress hormones such as adrenaline are released in the body. These hormones accelerate heart rate and elevate blood pressure while increasing muscle tension, leading to hand tremors. Learning relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help manage emotions and reduce tremors caused by emotional fluctuations.
3. Essential Tremor
Essential tremor is a movement disorder usually caused by abnormal signal transmission in certain areas of the brain. Elderly individuals may experience involuntary yet rhythmic tremors, often worsening when holding objects like a water glass or needle and thread. It is recommended to use medications such as propranolol hydrochloride tablets, primidone tablets, or aloxolol hydrochloride tablets under a physician's guidance for treatment.
4. Hyperthyroidism
In elderly individuals, factors such as genetics and immune dysfunction may lead to increased secretion of thyroid hormones, causing hyperthyroidism. This condition increases the body's excitability, resulting in persistent hand tremors, often accompanied by elevated blood pressure, exophthalmos, and other symptoms. It is advised to follow medical instructions to use medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, or carbimazole tablets to alleviate symptoms.
5. Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder in the elderly, caused by reduced dopamine secretion. Patients exhibit resting tremors (hand tremors), along with symptoms such as joint stiffness, slowed movement, and abnormalities in posture and gait. Under a physician's guidance, patients may take medications such as benhexol hydrochloride tablets, amantadine hydrochloride tablets, or levodopa tablets to improve hand tremor symptoms.
It is recommended to perform fine hand movements in daily life, such as picking up beans or grains, to exercise hand muscles and enhance hand strength.
