Study of Cognition in Essential Tremor

Research Studies

Dr. Elan Louis and his colleagues at UT Southwestern Medical Center are conducting a groundbreaking, national research initiative in the study of essential tremor.

This research is being conducted in an entirely REMOTE and VIRTUAL format, which ensures the health and safety of our study subjects while also maintaining pioneering research operations. Study activities can be completed using ONLINE platforms such as Zoom or Skype, or simply by telephone. You will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful ET research from the comfort and safety of your own home.

The study of cognition in essential tremor (COGNET) is the first of its kind to track cognitive changes of an exclusive cohort of individuals with ET. We are excited to announce that COGNET has received funding to extend its innovative work. So far, 230 individuals have participated in this unique longitudinal study; we are now calling on the ET community to help us expand our selective cohort to 295 individuals. We hope that you will help us complete this pioneering, NIH-funded research in essential tremor!

Interested candidates must meet the following criteria:

  1. You have been diagnosed by a doctor as having ET (rather than dystonia or Parkinson’s Disease, for example).
  2. You are at least 80 years old.
  3. You did NOT have brain surgery for the treatment of ET (e.g. DBS, FUS).
  4. *You are willing to have three interviews with us at your home (now, 18 months, 36 months).  Each interview will consist of questions about your tremor, various questionnaires and puzzles, and a videotaped neurological exam. The first interview will also include a blood draw (1 tube). Researchers will travel to meet with qualified participants; visits will take place over two days, with a 2.5-hour interview scheduled for each day. 
  5. You are willing to become a brain donor in the future. We would discuss this further with you.

If you are interested, please send an email to: or call 214-648-9888, 214-648-3431, or 203-554-7854.

*Virtual interviews are being conducted during COVID-19.