Effects of essential tremor on longevity and mortality rates in families.

Abstract

Essential Tremor (ET) is a common movement disorder characterized by action tremors, primarily affecting the hands and head. lthough previous studies have suggested potential links between ET and aging-related diseases, its relationship with longevity remains unclear, with conflicting evidence in the literature. To investigate this association, we analyzed data from 1,493 individuals across 145 families, encompassing both ET-positive (ET+) and ET-negative (ET-) participants. Using comprehensive statistical methods, including survival function estimation and regression modeling, we examined the potential influence of ET on lifespan. The median age of our participants was 67 years (IQR 54-77). Among deceased individuals, those with ET had a higher median age at death (80 years, IQR 70-86) compared to their ET- counterparts (70 years, IQR 59-77). Living ET+ participants also demonstrated slightly higher median ages (63 years, IQR 53-74) than living ET- individuals (60 years, IQR 49-71). Survival analysis revealed a significantly prolonged lifespan for ET+ individuals compared to ET- individuals (log-rank p =  1.11 ×  10 ⁻23). Furthermore, hazard ratio (HR) calculations indicated a reduced risk of mortality for the ET+ group (HR =  0.44, CI95% =  0.37-0.52), particularly among males. These findings suggest that ET may be associated with increased longevity, though the underlying biological mechanisms remain unclear. Further research is essential to elucidate the processes contributing to this relationship and to explore its implications for understanding aging and neurodegenerative disorders.