UW Health OurConnecting you to health news and resources • uwhealth.org Spring/summer 2014 Patient Survives Near Fatal Accident Shares Amazing Story and an Important Safety Message

There are 19 steps inside the stairwell at the UW Health “We were surprised to get him out of the OR,” Agarwal Rehabilitation Clinic in Middleton, WI. says. “An entire team took care of him and got him through this injury–which should have been fatal.” A child could zip up and down those stairs, without a second thought. But for Mark Friend, every step up and UW Health plastic and reconstructive surgeon Samuel down is a calculated process, as he learns how to Poore, MD and UW Health orthopedic surgeon David manipulate–and more importantly, trust–his state-of- Goodspeed, MD followed up Dr. Agarwal’s work on the-art prosthetic leg. Friend’s amputated leg. But before going into surgery, Goodspeed called Amy Paulios of Prosthetic His prosthetic knee has a microprocessor in it, one that Laboratories in Monona. “He had the foresight to think bends and helps slow the speed of his body as it lowers. about how much of Friend’s leg was needed for a “Once that goes, you’ve got to trust yourself to go to prosthetic limb.” Paulios says, “He was thinking that far the next step,” says Friend, who has to pull his leg back ahead on Mark’s behalf, which I find to be phenomenal.” to trigger the process. It’s a complicated system, one Friend also suffered serious injuries to his right leg and that requires a lot of thought and everything going right underwent major reconstructive knee surgery. Twice a to have success. week since May 2013, Friend has made the trip to see The same could be said of the sequence of events that physical therapist Sandy Grady, who has helped him allowed Friend to survive a nearly fatal accident on learn to walk with his prosthetic leg. January 5, 2013. During a physical therapy session, Friend cracks jokes While working collecting garbage and recycling on a cold and comments on his attitude toward his challenges. morning near Stoughton, WI, a car hit Friend, pinning “Why get mad about it? You can’t change it,” he says. him between the vehicle and the back of his truck. “Most people are going to get depressed and get angry Friend only remembers bits and pieces and says “I do and stuff like that. But I look at it more as, how can I be remember asking the driver to move the car - she was an influence? One of my main goals is to teach my kids unable to.” as they grow up that there’s no such thing as ‘I can’t.’ Why? Why can’t you? I’m missing a leg and I can. Why That was the first thing that went right. Experts told can’t you? There’s no excuse. I want to hear ‘I’ll try’ not Friend that if the car had been moved, he likely would ‘I can’t.’” have bled to death. Stoughton Fire and EMS responded to the accident and contacted UW Med Flight, which During a conversation with one of his doctors, Friend brought a physician to the scene, and then rushed says he was told that about 125 people were involved in Friend to UW Hospital and Clinics, in Madison, WI, saving his life. “Think about that–125 people,” he says. a Level One Trauma Center. Friend doesn’t have to look far to remember them. He Once at UW Hospital and Clinics, his vital signs had fabric patches from UW Med Flight, UW Hospital disappeared. Friend didn’t have a pulse when he got to and Clinics and Stoughton Fire and EMS embedded UW Health trauma surgeon Suresh Agarwal, MD. He into his prosthetic leg, along with one of . and his team were able to resuscitate Friend and then “I just think you should give credit where it is due,” amputated most of his left leg to stop the massive Friend says. “If it weren’t for them...” bleeding. Friend said he was given 63 units of blood; the human body only holds 10 to 12 units at a time.

Even before his injuries, Mark Friend expressed concern about safety for sanitation workers to his legislator. When he started his recovery, he again contacted his legislator and became a driving force for the passage of a law that increased the penalties for traffic offenses committed while sanitation workers are present.

Go to uwhealth.org/slowdown to view the Slow Down safety video. Help spread this safety message by sharing it via e-mail and social media. Using Computer Games to Help with Pediatric Incontinence Pediatric incontinence, or daytime successfully potty-train. But we also “This program requires the commitment of time for wetting, affects more than 10 million have adolescents who have been children nationwide. Traditionally, it seeking help for years who find the education sessions and treatment–and the has been evaluated with invasive success with our therapy.” results are well worth the effort.” tests and treated with a combination The therapy is a breakthrough in of medication and surgery. Thanks to –Patrick McKenna, MD treating pediatric incontinence. It uses an innovative non-invasive evaluation Chief of Pediatric Urology computer games originally developed and treatment program at UW by NASA to help astronauts practice provides biofeedback to help children dedication of our nursing staff.” He Health’s American Family Children’s muscle strengthening while understand how to use their muscles adds, “In fact, this component alone is Hospital in Madison, WI, incontinence experiencing weightlessness. The to further master the game. McKenna so powerful that it can cure about 20 and related issues, including recurring games use biofeedback to teach says, “It can be very difficult to teach percent of our patients.” urinary tract infections, are children how to correctly flex and children what muscles to contract and successfully treated through a The treatment has been very relax the pelvic muscles that control relax. That is why the games are such program comprised of education and successful in helping children achieve the bladder. The treatment is non- an important part of the program.” biofeedback using computer games. dryness. “And once daytime dryness invasive and very private. Children are Equally important is the education is achieved,” explains McKenna, “it According to Patrick McKenna, MD, fully dressed and hooked up the component. Using a four-point usually helps any nighttime wetting chief of pediatric urology at American computer game using small EKG-like “elimination education” program, issues as well.” In helping patients Family Children’s Hospital, the pads. The children then must nurse practitioners focus on diet– achieve dryness and learn proper program is designed to treat children correctly use their abdominal and eating enough fiber and drinking voiding habits, the program has the who are unable to be toilet trained or pelvic muscles to master the game, in enough water–and hygiene, which added benefit of decreasing recurring who have been previously trained and this case, a golf game. includes proper wiping and no bubble urinary tract infections by 95 percent then start having accidents. He “Doing this correctly or incorrectly,” baths. McKenna says, “This education and has decreased pediatric surgeries explains, “Many children come to the says McKenna “is the difference is crucial to the program’s success for vesicoureteral reflux from 120 program at age four, when parents between a drive or a slice.” The game and would not be possible without the annually to close to zero. realize they are not able to

The program’s success is a direct result of the dedication and commitment of staff, as well as that of the children and their families. McKenna notes, “Often people look to medication or surgery as a quick fix to solve their problem. This program requires the commitment of time for the education sessions and treatment - and the results are well worth the effort.” McKenna reflects on a patient who had been dealing with incontinence for 11 years. “As children grow, there are social ramifications, including embarrassment and the inability to spend extended time with friends. This child, after 11 years of seeking treatment, went through three sessions with us and achieved dryness.” This story, like many others, is why the program continues to grow. It is offered at UW Health’s American Family Children’s Hospital and now at the UW Health East Clinic.

To learn more or make an appointment at 11 year old Reagan, attends one of her biofeedback sessions, taught by our dedicated pediatric nursing staff. either location, please call (608) 263-6420. Advancements in Stroke Recovery Stroke recovery can be long and Currently, stroke rehabilitation uses of underwent nine to 15 rehabilitation changes in using this device over time difficult. But a new stroke rehabilitation a functional electrical stimulation (FES) sessions for up to three hours. The as well as changes in the functionality device may speed recovery and system that automatically activates sessions lasted over a period of three of their arm, hand strength, and improve function for some of the nerves in paralyzed portions of the to six weeks. Before, during and after activities of daily living. Some 800,000 people in the United States body without the use of brain activity. the rehabilitation period, patients also participants said their mood and ability who suffer strokes each year. underwent functional magnetic to communicate improved.” “When patients use our device with an resonance imaging (fMRI) and a Vivek Prabhakaran, MD, director of electrode cap and a computer, we ask The researchers hope to study 40 second type of MRI (diffusion tensor functional neuroimaging at UW Health, them to imagine or attempt to move stroke patients with upper extremity imaging) that maps the rate that water collaborated with University of their hand,” says Prabhakaran. “A paralysis during the clinical trial. diffuses between cells and provides a Wisconsin biomedical engineer Justin brain-control interface translates that detailed map of the brain. Prabhakaran hopes one day the Williams to design and build a brain activity to a signal that triggers device will be used as the standard of rehabilitation device that converts a the FES which activates nerves in “The fMRI is able to show which areas care for stroke recovery in a clinical patient’s thoughts into electrical paralyzed extremities.” of the brain are activated when setting or even used by patients on impulses to move upper extremities. someone performs a motor task,” The results of a clinical trial were laptop computers or tablets. Prabhakaran says the device can says Prabhakaran. presented at the Radiology Society of shorten stroke rehabilitation time, North America meeting in December. Prabhakaran explains that the For more information on the clinical improve upper extremity movements researchers discovered some trial, contact Jenny Swartz at and enhance stroke patients’ ability to The trial involved nine patients, each [email protected] or (608) 262-0770. 404, 2014 U sed u n de r l ice se f ro m S hu tt e s to c k. o I mage Copyr igh t fi l e 404, surprising results. “We see brain perform activities of daily living. with one hand affected by stroke. They

Tween Promotes Organ and Tissue Donation on Radio

Aspen Johnson loves to play baseball Aspen hooks up to a dialysis machine able to be a live donor for him. Other do, and doesn’t waste time feeling and golf. He’s also an aspiring chef at 7:00 pm every night until about 6:30 people have stepped forward to donate sorry for himself.” who hopes to own his own restaurant the next morning. He visits UW a kidney, but so far, none have proven Aspen is really excited about sharing one day. And right now, at age 12, he’s Health’s American Family Children’s to be a good match. the message of organ donation. the newest voice behind the Yes I Will Hospital in Madison, WI for monthly “When we do not have a live donor for Wisconsin radio campaign in the La check-ups. Aspen also takes many “He understands that this is important a child, it is especially important to find Crosse, WI area, hoping to encourage medications, a handful with each meal, not just for him, but for other kids and a quality deceased donor kidney,” says more people to become registered plus growth hormone. families too, really for people of all Beth.” We want to make sure the new organ and tissue donors while sharing ages,” says Katie. “Kids like Aspen need transplants now, kidney will last as long as possible.” a message that is close to his heart. while they are in their prime growing In Aspen’s words, “Maybe I can help Aspen is among the 15 children in Aspen is very energetic and his mom years,” says Beth Gerndt-Spaith, RN, someone else get a new heart or the Wisconsin and 897 nationwide who are says that many people aren’t even UW Health pediatric transplant kidney they need.” awaiting a kidney transplant. By aware of his health condition. He would coordinator. “Any time a child has renal helping promote organ donation, love to wrestle and play football but is Visit uwhealth.org/transplant to hear Aspen’s disease; his or her growth is inhibited. Aspen hopes he can help kids like limited in contact sports. As a middle- radio commercial and on-air interview. The best way to optimize growth is with himself and people of all ages get the school student, he is also feeling some a transplant, as opposed to staying on organs they need to survive. of his limitations a dialysis. That’s why it is important for little more this year, Aspen is no stranger to hospitals or children to receive a kidney transplant but his attitude dialysis. When he was six months old sooner rather than later.” remains open and he was diagnosed with Atypical There is good news and bad news for positive. Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS), Aspen. The good news is that there is a rare genetic condition that “We’ve raised him now a medication that prevents damages vital organs, including the without special recurrence of his disease, so he has kidneys. At that time Aspen lost treatment or extra been placed on the wait list for a new function in both kidneys and coddling,” says kidney. The bad news is that he’s been immediately went on dialysis. When Katie, Aspen’s waiting for about a year and a half. he was 18 months old he received a mom. “He plays Because his transplant increased his kidney transplant which worked well and fights with his antibody levels, and he’s had blood until he was three years old, when he eight-year-old transfusions, it is difficult to find a well- had a relapse of his disease. He has brother, Brooks, matched donor kidney. Aspen’s disease been on dialysis ever since. like all brothers is genetic, so neither of his parents is Top TEN Digestive Issues for Women 10. Diet/nutrition issues 9. Stress 8. Heartburn 7. Upset stomach 6. Diarrhea 5. Bloating 4. Constipation 3. Gas 2014 U sed u n de r l ice se f ro m S hu tt e s to c k. o I mage Copyr igh t Pi otr M a r ci n s k i , 2. Pain 1. All of the above!

These are the top 10 digestive issues or other health condition. Irritable suffered by women, according to bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the “These problems may be uncomfortable or Samona Saha, MD, UW Health most common GI disorders gastroenterologist and women’s diagnosed in women, but multiple embarrassing but fortunately, many are temporary digestive disease expert. treatments are available. and not due to a serious condition.” “Occasional digestive problems are Dr. Saha recommends a visit with a –Samona Saha, MD normal,” says Dr. Saha. “Everyone gastroenterologist for patients who experiences upset stomach, gas, have experienced the following • Other IBS symptoms may include: Multiple treatments are available, heartburn, constipation or diarrhea issues for 12 weeks (or more) in the • abnormal stool frequency (more including diet management, from time to time. These problems past 12 months: than three times a day or less medications and non-medical may be uncomfortable or • Abdominal pain or discomfort, than three times per week) interventions such as cognitive embarrassing but fortunately, many including two or more of these • abnormal stool form (more than therapy and hypnosis. are temporary and not due to a issues: 25 percent of all defecations), serious condition.” “If you’re experiencing these • improvement with defecation abnormal stool passage symptoms, schedule a visit with a For women with persistent digestive • onset associated with a change (straining, urgency, feeling of gastroenterologist,” says Dr. Saha, symptoms, the list of possible in stool frequency incomplete evacuation more than “and keep working with your doctor causes is long–including both • onset associated with a change 25 percent of all defecations) to find a treatment plan that works gastrointestinal (GI) and gynecologic in stool form • passing mucus (more than 25 for you.” disorders–and could be signs of a percent of defecations). serious underlying digestive disorder Visit uwhealth.org/digestivehealth for more information. Non-surgical Options for Knee Pain Knee arthritis affects 10 to 20 percent of adults been shown to be helpful for patients. acid injections. Glucosamine and/or older than 60. While there are many treatments However, it is important that individuals chondroitin sulphate, which are available to help manage the pain and receive proper instruction on how to use commonly advertised as discomfort associated with knee osteoarthritis, them. For people with osteoarthritis in both promoting joint health, the best management techniques usually knees, a frame walker may be preferable. may be used, but if include a combination of non-pharmacological no benefit is seen Knee Bracing (non-medication) and pharmacological after six months, Some people may benefit from knee bracing, methods, says John J. Wison, MD, MS, UW it’s usually best to particularly in cases where the knees are Health Sports Medicine Physician. discontinue use. becoming deformed as a result of the osteoarthritis. When the combination of Non-Medication-Based Treatment Methods medicine- and non-medicine- Footwear and Orthotics based treatments doesn’t provide Exercise Insoles can reduce pain and improve walking enough relief or improve knee When patients experience pain or discomfort, for certain patients. it might be surprising that exercise is one of function, joint replacement surgery may the best recommendations for knee Ice and Heat be an option. Depending on the severity osteoarthritis. Strengthening and aerobic While effective only for the short term, heat of the arthritis, either a total knee or exercise are actually associated with pain and ice therapy can help provide some relief partial-knee replacement may be relief and improved knee function. from symptoms. recommended.

Weight Loss If you experience knee pain, UW Health’s Medication-Based Therapies For patients who are overweight, losing orthopedics, sports medicine and weight and maintaining a healthy body weight When non-medication-based treatments rehabilitation experts can help you get back can help manage and even improve aren’t enough, physicians may prescribe to the activities you enjoy. symptoms. some pain relievers, including acetaminophen, Visit orthoaccess.org for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, topical Walking Aids more information or to medications, cortisone shots and hyaluronic Walking aids, such as canes or crutches, have request a consult.

Image Copyright juniart, 2014 Used under license from Shutterstock.com

, 2014 U sed u n de r l ice se f ro m S hu tt e s to c k. o I mage Copyr igh t Pi otr M a r ci n s k i , Generation Staff Battle through Blizzard for Christmas Baby

On December 20, 2012, a blizzard Broadwell, MD, notes, “ovulation waits SUV to help with the procedure. responsibilities to their three older paralyzed the Madison, WI area. The for no one.” children, who joined the family via Five days later, on Christmas, the sheriff warned people to stay off the adoption, they didn’t want the risk of a With chances low that anyone would embryo was ready for transfer into roads and most medical clinics closed. pregnancy with multiples. be able to drive that day, the team (Dr. Julie’s uterus, so UW Health infertility One clinic, however, stayed open. Broadwell, UW Health embryologist and reproductive endocrinologist and “Our family felt very full and complete Generations Fertility Care had a patient Lynn Boehnlein and UW Health division director Dan Lebovic, MD, did already, so while we were very blessed scheduled for an egg retrieval that day, anesthesiologist Joel Johnson, MD, the transfer, assisted by UW Health to be able to try for a fourth child, we and as UW Health infertility and PhD) and the prospective parents, Julie nurse Jen Spredemann, RN. felt the single-embryo option made the reproductive endocrinologist Christina and Tony Chang, checked into a hotel best sense for our family,’’ Chang says. Nine months later, on September 23, across the street 2013, baby Matthias Chang arrived, a Fortunately, Generations Fertility Care from the clinic miracle like every baby, but with a story has an excellent track record on single the night that will likely be told again and again. embryo transfers. before. The next morning, “We feel extremely blessed and thankful The number of times Generations they waded for the above and beyond care we electively transfers a single embryo through the received at Generations,’’ says Julie (meaning there was more than one drifts to get to Chang. But Dr. Broadwell says that embryo to transfer) is consistently the clinic, while giant blizzards aren’t the norm, significantly above the national where UW the clinic staff often works on average. In 2012 the national rate in Health nurses weekends and holidays to time the women under 35 years old was 11.7 Megan procedures correctly for maximum percent while Generations was at 33.3 Bawden, RN, success. percent. In 2013, Generations did a and Kirsta single embryo transfer 52.4 percent of The Chang’s story also highlights Johnson, MA, the time. another growing trend at Generations: had arrived in families who opt for the transfer of a For more information about Generations Johnson’s four- single embryo. Julie Chang says that Fertility Care and our success rates, visit First Moments Photography wheel-drive because of her age and their uwhealth.org/generations Matthias Chang, born September 23, 2013. Expansion puts UW Health’s American Family Children’s Hospital among the best in the nation

If we could wish it so, the two words “hospitalized UW Health took a giant children” would never go together. Fortunately, step for its littlest patients most pediatric patients–even those with highly when it opened the doors complex needs ranging from cancer to heart of American Family disease to severe trauma–do get better. Medical Children’s Hospital in 2007. care for sick kids has advanced greatly at facilities This year, however, thanks such as UW Health’s American Family Children’s to generous support for the Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, providing leading- hospital’s ongoing “Sick edge treatments and hope to more children who Kids Can’t Wait” campaign, may not have survived in the past. patients and families will have these exciting To ensure that kids from Wisconsin and beyond have enhancements available access to state-of-the-art care, American Family close to home: Children’s Hospital is now poised to shine even brighter as a world-class resource. • A 14-bed Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care “As a pediatrician for more than 40 years,” says Unit (NICU) offering Ellen Wald, MD, chair of the department of advanced, life-saving care pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin, “I have for premature babies born seen so many transformational changes in what we with complex surgical and can do to help change and save the lives of medical problems. This children. I could not be more proud of what a crown unit, offering the highest jewel this facility has become for the patients and level of pediatric intensive families of this region.” care in the state in a family- centered environment, opens in May. • Equipping and staffing two more pediatric • A 12-bed Universal Care Unit providing more operating rooms for children requiring surgery. space for children with a variety of complex health care needs. This unit also opens “These enhancements will ensure that no child in May. should have to leave the region to receive the • A state-of-the-art Pediatric most advanced pediatric medical and surgical Imaging Pavilion providing care available,” says Jeff Poltawsky, vice president children with advanced MRI, of American Family Children’s Hospital. “Kids and ultrasound, and low-dose families fell in love with this warm, beautiful facility radiation X-ray imaging. from the moment we opened our doors,” This unit opened in Poltawsky says. “Adding these new, highly January, making sophisticated capabilities even further elevates the American Family level of care we offer children and families, helping Children’s Hospital the us become one of the best and safest children’s first in the world to hospitals in the nation.” offer new technology Ranked among the nation’s Top 50 children’s using the lowest hospitals by US News & World Report in several dose of radiation for specialties, American Family Children’s Hospital children who need admits about 3,500 patients a year and provides more interventional than 135,000 annual visits to its pediatric clinics. procedures such as catheterization, To learn more, please visit angioplasty and X-ray uwhealthkids.org imaging of organs or blood vessels. New Treatment for Growing Cancer Concern

Persistent coughing, prolonged hoarseness, difficulty Meredith, MD, FACS, a UW Health surgeon with a special swallowing or unintended weight loss, each of these interest in treating gastrointestinal malignancies. symptoms may be easily explained and treated. Or, they According to Meredith, a surgical oncologist with may signal a more serious problem; all are common UW Carbone Cancer Center in Madison, WI, the disease is symptoms of esophageal cancer. often linked to lifestyle choices. Esophageal cancer patients While esophageal cancer is relatively uncommon, the frequently have a history of smoking or excess alcohol National Cancer Institute estimated there would be fewer consumption. Alcohol combined with tobacco use increases than 18,000 cases diagnosed in the US in 2013, the survival the risk of esophageal cancer far more than either drinking or rate is bleak. Only 16 percent of those diagnosed last year smoking alone. People who have been diagnosed with were expected to survive five years. Barrett’s Esophagus, a pre-cancer condition related to prolonged acid reflux, are at particularly high risk. Esophageal cancer develops in the lining of the esophagus, a muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the There are several treatment options, including surgery, stomach. Approximately 8 to 10 inches long, the esophagus chemotherapy and radiation therapy. “Surgery may be helps transport food from the mouth to the stomach for particularly effective for people with early stage cancer,” says digestion. It keeps food from traveling down the windpipe, Meredith, “Traditionally, operations on the esophagus have and when it reaches the stomach, it prevents acid and left large incisions on the chest and abdomen and were stomach contents from traveling backwards. associated with high complication rates.” There are two kinds of esophageal cancer. Two thirds of With advanced technology, these operations are performed patients will be diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, the type with minimally invasive and robotic techniques, resulting in Warning Signs of most often found in the lower part of the esophagus, and is shorter hospitalizations, less post-operative pain, fewer Esophageal Cancer associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). complications and smaller incisions. Surgeons who Difficult or painful swallowing The second form, squamous cell carcinoma, is generally perform many of these operations also have better found in the upper part of the esophagus. If esophageal outcomes compared to those who infrequently do Unintended weight loss cancer spreads, the cells can move to almost any other part esophageal surgeries. Chest pain of the body. The most effective way to detect esophageal cancer Heartburn, indigestion Although the disease is considered rare, physicians are is to recognize the symptoms and see your health seeing an increase in the number of young men being care professional. Persistent coughing or diagnosed with esophageal cancer, according to Kenneth prolonged hoarseness o, 2014 U sed u n de r l ice se f ro m S hu tt e s to c k. o Al e x Lue n g o, I mage Copyr igh t Oral human papillomavirus (HPV) For more information, visit uwhealth.org/espohagealcancer Protect Your Brain Alzheimer’s disease can impact a including an estimated 200,000 under person’s mental and physical health the age of 65. By 2050, up to 16 million and place a tremendous burden on people will have the disease. family. The most common type of Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, People with memory loss symptoms accounts for 50 to 80 percent of should be seen by a physician early to dementia cases. Alzheimer’s is a determine if there are any other factors, progressive brain disorder that destroys including medication side effects or brain cells, leading to memory loss and other treatable medical conditions. deterioration in everyday function. It develops slowly, and gradually destroys “Early treatment is important for a person’s ability to live independently. Alzheimer’s disease,” says Carlsson, Tips to lower your risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia: “There is no cure, but research has • Walk and/or engage in other • Maintain a consistent bed and rise “Sadly, there is no effective treatment or determined certain medications might exercises several times a week time and limit napping to one time cure for Alzheimer’s,” says Cindy play a role in slowing the progression of earlier in the day Carlsson, MD, UW Health geriatrician • Keep your brain active with some symptoms. Getting involved in and researcher for the Wisconsin crossword puzzles, board games, • Keep your blood pressure in check clinical studies is the best way to help Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. reading, problem solving, etc. us find better ways to prevent and treat • Limit alcohol use “Overall, it is the sixth leading cause of Alzheimer’s.” For both younger and • Socialize with relatives and friends, or death in the US and the fifth leading • Keep stress and anxiety low older adults, eating properly, exercise volunteer for a non-profit organization cause of death for people 65 years of and staying active are important • Have regular checkups with age and older.” • Maintain a healthy weight lifestyle choices to protect the brain. your doctor Today more than five million Americans • Follow a heart healthy diet are living with Alzheimer’s disease, For more information visit uwhealth.org/geriatrics Above image: High definition fiber-tracking map of one million brain fibers. Image courtesy of Walt Schneider Laboratory Look inside for tips to protect your brain! NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Having a family history of University of Wisconsin MADISON, WI Hospital and Clinics PERMIT NO. 2223 Alzheimer’s is an important, 600 Highland Avenue Madison, WI 53792-9700 but poorly understood, genetic risk factor for the disease.

Alzheimer’s is the leading cause of death in the United States overall and the 5th leading cause of death for those age 65 and older. PA-37619-13 130,000130,000 Projected number of Wisconsin residents with Alzheimer’s by 2025 © 2014 UW Health. UW Health is the academic medical center for the University of of Medicine and Public Health and includes UW Hospital and Clinics and UW Medical Foundation in Madison, Wisconsin. Comments are welcome. Email [email protected] or call (608) 262-6343.