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Can essential tremors cause dementia

By July 21, 2010 - 5:12am
 
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I am 65 years old and was diagnosed with familial essential tremors about 4 months ago. My mother started having them at age 89. I am currently on the generic os Sinmet (not sure about spelling) and Inderal. The tremors are only in my left hand and arm and controlled by the medication unless I am stressed. I have beenhappily married 47 years to my sweetheart since the age of 14. I am a quality/business management consultant and own my company.

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I too have ET but am not on any meds at this time. The dementia question caught my attention so I am very please to hear that it is not a precurser. Thank you for the insight.

October 28, 2011 - 11:27am

Hi rc purvis,
Thank you for your question and for being a part of the EmpowHer community. I did a little research, and found that essential tremors (ET) can progress to disability, but according to the Mayo Clinic website, ET does not cause other health problems:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/essential-tremor/DS00367/DSECTION=symptoms
However, your doctor knows your particular case. Are you receiving ongoing treatment? I found this organization, it may be a good resource for you in addition to EmpowHer: http://www.essentialtremor.org/SiteResources/Data/Templates/t2.asp?docid=541&DocName=Facts%20about%20ET
Good luck, and please let us know if there is anything else we can do to help.

July 21, 2010 - 9:42am
(reply to Christine Jeffries)

Thanks so much. I was applying for more life insurance and was told by the insurance rep. that was placed in a different tier because ET could lead to dementia. I don't mind shaking a little when I get old but I don't want to be demented and shake, too!

July 21, 2010 - 1:07pm
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