Which type of tremor is most often associated with Parkinson's disease?

In Parkinson's disease, the tremor that is most commonly observed is termed a resting tremor. This type of tremor occurs when the affected individual is at rest and typically diminishes during voluntary movement. The characteristic resting tremor is often described as a "pill-rolling" motion, particularly affecting the hands and fingers. This specific tremor is one of the hallmark signs of Parkinson’s disease and is generally caused by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra of the brain.

Resting tremors contrast with other types of tremors, such as action tremors, which occur during movement, or intention tremors, which happen as one approaches a target. Psychogenic tremors can also mimic movement disorders but are often linked to psychological factors. Understanding the nature of resting tremors is critical for clinicians in diagnosing and managing Parkinson's disease effectively, as they represent a key symptom that helps differentiate it from other movement disorders.