Arrange the following in chronological order of their prevalence and occurrence:

A. Epidemic

B. Tuberculosis

C. Heart Disease

D. Alzheimer's

E. Cancer

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

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Correct option is B

A, B, C, D, E

The question asks to arrange the diseases in chronological order based on their trends and frequency over time. Here's the explanation of the diseases and how they have evolved:

1. Pandemic 

   • Pandemics are global outbreaks of infectious diseases. Historically, pandemics like the Black Death (bubonic plague), Spanish flu, and COVID-19 have had major impacts on global populations.
   • Pandemics tend to occur sporadically but have a profound impact on society when they do.

2. Tuberculosis 

   • Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, has been a longstanding disease, with a significant increase in prevalence during the early 19th century and continuing as a major health concern.
   • The global incidence of TB was high in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and it was only during the late 20th century that the development of antibiotics significantly reduced its prevalence. However, it still remains a major health concern in many parts of the world.

3. Heart Disease 

   • Heart disease (including coronary artery disease and heart attacks) has seen a dramatic rise in the 20th and 21st centuries, largely due to lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, and sedentary habits.
   • Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are now one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with increasing incidence in both developed and developing countries.

4. Alzheimer’s Disease 

   • Alzheimer’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder, has become more prevalent in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
   • It is mainly seen in elderly populations, and its incidence has increased due to increasing life expectancy and better recognition of the disease.

5. Cancer 

   • Cancer has a long history, but its prevalence has risen dramatically in recent decades due to factors such as increased life expectancy, environmental pollution, smoking, and better diagnosis.
   • Cancer types such as lung cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer have shown significant increases in incidence, especially in modern times.

Thus, the correct chronological order of the diseases in terms of their emergence and frequency is:
Pandemic (A) → Tuberculosis (B) → Heart Disease (C) → Alzheimer’s Disease (D) → Cancer (E)

Information Booster:

• Pandemics are sudden, large-scale outbreaks of infectious diseases. While pandemics like the Spanish flu (1918) and COVID-19 (2020) have affected millions globally, pandemics are relatively rare events compared to chronic diseases.
• Tuberculosis was once the leading infectious disease killer worldwide, especially in the 19th century. Antibiotics and better hygiene have helped control TB in many parts of the world, but it remains a concern in low-income regions.
• Heart disease has seen a massive rise since the mid-20th century due to increased life expectancy and lifestyle factors, such as poor diet and lack of exercise.
• Alzheimer’s disease has increased as people live longer, particularly in developed nations with aging populations.
• Cancer has become more common, with an increase in both incidence and awareness. Early detection and treatment options have contributed to longer survival rates, but the overall prevalence continues to rise.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

• Option (a) A, B, E, C, D – Incorrect because Alzheimer's Disease (D) appears last in the list, not after heart disease and cancer.
• Option (c) A, B, D, E, C – Incorrect because Heart Disease (C) should come before Alzheimer’s Disease (D).
• Option (d) A, B, C, E, D – Incorrect as it places Alzheimer’s Disease last when it should come after heart disease but before cancer.