Chronic polyneuropathy strongly associates with impairment in the ability to perform daily activities and relates to worse gait and an increased history of falling, a recent study found. A total of 1,445 participants of a population-based study (mean age 71 years, 54% women) underwent a polyneuropathy screening involving a symptom questionnaire, neurologic examination, and nerve conduction studies. Screening yielded 4 groups: no, possible, probable, and definite polyneuropathy. In a random subset of 977 participants, gait was assessed with an electronic walkway. Researchers found:

• Participants with definite polyneuropathy had more difficulty in performing Stanford Health Assessment questionnaire (BADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale than participants without polyneuropathy.
• Polyneuropathy related to worse scores of all BADL components (especially walking) and 3 IADL components (housekeeping, traveling, and shopping).
• Participants with definite polyneuropathy were more likely to fall, and these falls more often resulted in injury.
• Participants with polyneuropathy had worse gait parameters on the walkway, including lower walking speed and cadence, and more errors in tandem walking.