Poorer cognition in essential tremor (ET) is associated with a greater number of falls and lower balance confidence, according to a recent study. Researchers examined the relationship between cognition and balance and falls in ET. ET cases were recruited into the Clinical–pathological Study of Cognition in ET. A comprehensive cognitive assessment was performed, which included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to measure global cognition, multiple motor-free tests comprehensively assessing performance in each cognitive domain, and an assignment of Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scores. They collected data on the number of reported falls in the past year, and balance confidence was assessed using the 6-item Activities of Balance Confidence Scale. They found:

• There were 199 ET cases (mean age 78.6 years).
• Lower global cognition (poorer cognition) was associated with greater number of falls and reduced balance confidence.
• Higher CDR score (poorer functional cognition) was associated with greater number of falls and reduced balance confidence.
• Number of falls was most closely linked with performance on tests of executive function, and balance confidence, with executive function, attention, and memory.