As many as one million Americans currently live with Parkinson's disease and approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed each year. Around the world, more than 10 million people worldwide are living with the disease, according to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation.

A new study published in the journal  Brain has shed new light on the genetics behind essential tremor, which is frequently misdiagnosed as Parkinson's disease. Understanding the differences between both diseases is key to reducing the prevalence of medical mistakes. 

Essential tremor is the most common movement disorder, but many sufferers don't seek medical help. People suffer from the tremor, but they tend to make do as best they can. Some people have had a tremor for 10 to 20 years or more. They know they have a tremor and they live with it.

Study's lead author Simon Girard, a professor at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi in Canada, in press release.