Alcohol use may increase risk of tremor

· A study published in the Journal Neurology Neurosurgery Psychiatry reports that daily alcohol consumption (three drinks or more per day) will increase the risk of developing an essential tremor.

Essential tremor is the uncontrolled rhythmic movement of an extremity such as your hand or arm that is not from Parkinson’s Disease.  Essential tremor affects about 5 million people in the United States older than 60 years.  The cause of essential tremor is likely the result of a certain type of brain damage.

·This study was a prospective observation analysis of 3,300 people who were 65 years and older.  Over half of the study participants reported drinking routinely.

· The study authors report that participants who drank more alcohol and for longer periods of time were more likely to developed tremor.  The risk of developing tremor increased by 23% for every year of routine alcohol use.
· The authors also report that concomitant cigarette smoking or depression more than doubled the risk of developing tremor.

· Alcohol is known to cause brain damage, especially to the cerebellum, the area of the brain responsible for coordinated muscle movement.

· This observation study was based on a survey filled out by the participants and there are many variables that could not be controlled, making it difficult to draw strong conclusions.  More studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Reference
J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2009;80:423-425. Abstract

Posted on April 10, 2009

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