5. Alzheimer’s disease

Between 60 and 70 percent of dementia cases are due to Alzheimer’s disease, a neurodegenerative disease is known for beginning slowly and worsening over time. The earliest symptoms usually involve short-term memory loss and over time can cause loss of language, disorientation, behavioral changes and mood swings. In advanced stages, patient’s will often pull away from family and friends and as bodily functions are slowly lost, finally the body dies.

There is no way to stop or reverse the effects of Alzheimer’s disease though there have been steps made in temporarily halting its progress. The average life expectancy of someone diagnosed with this condition is anywhere from three to nine years.