Tremors Are Not Always a Sign of Parkinson's Disease | SJMC
Tremors Are Not Always a Sign of Parkinson's Disease
Dr Phua Chun Seng, Consultant Neurologist at Subang Jaya Medical Centre, recently delivered a health talk on "What Neurological Warning Signs are Hidden Behind Tremors?" and "Involuntary Tremors - Is It Hand Tremors or Parkinson's Disease?". Organised by Sin Chew Daily, the event attracted more than 200 participants to raise awareness on Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological and brain degeneration disease that causes problems with movement. The main signs are shaking, stiffness, and difficulty controlling the hands and feet. Unlike dementia or Alzheimer’s, which mainly affect memory, Parkinson’s usually does not affect memory. Instead, it slowly gets worse over time, making movement and daily activities more difficult.”
Risk Increases with Age
Dr Phua shared that older adults are generally more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease. About 1% of people over the age of 60 are affected — roughly one in every 100. The risk continues to rise with age.
“However, not all Parkinson’s patients are elderly. Around 5% to 10% develop the disease before the age of 50,” he noted, adding that men are more commonly affected than women, and most cases occur sporadically rather than being inherited.
Dr Phua explained that Parkinson’s is mainly caused by damage or degeneration in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra. This region produces dopamine, a chemical that helps control movement in the hands and feet. When dopamine levels drop, symptoms such as stiffness and tremors appear. By the time Parkinson’s is diagnosed, 60% to 80% of these dopamine-producing cells are already lost.
Main Causes of Parkinson’s Disease
There are three main causes of Parkinson’s disease. The first is ageing and brain degeneration. As people get older, the substantia nigra — the part of the brain that controls movement — may degenerate, leading to the disease.
“For some, brain degeneration affects memory, while for others it affects the substantia nigra. When this happens with age, Parkinson’s can develop,” explained Dr Phua.
The second factor is genetics. While most cases are not inherited, about 5% to 10% are linked to genetic changes that interfere with dopamine production.
The third factor is environmental exposure. Long-term contact with pesticides, heavy metals, repeated head injuries, or even drinking well water have been linked to a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s.
He also highlighted that not all tremors are due to Parkinson’s — the more common cause is a condition called essential tremor. “If you experience tremors, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have Parkinson’s,” he noted.
No Cure Yet, But Treatments Can Help
Dr Phua explained that while there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, various medications are available to relieve symptoms and boost dopamine levels in the brain.
Beyond medication, he recommends lifestyle changes and rehabilitation. Regular moderate-to-intense exercise three to five times a week — such as Tai Chi, dancing, or even singing — can benefit patients. Balance and strength training are especially important to lower the risk of falls. For those who struggle to exercise at home, rehabilitation centres or working with a physical therapist can be helpful.
Diet also plays a role. Patients are encouraged to eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and foods that support digestion. Staying socially and mentally active — by going out, making friends, reading, and engaging in stimulating activities — can further improve quality of life.
Source: Sin Chew Daily