Final answer:
Alzheimer's disease has become more prominent than flu/pneumonia due to its impact on older adults, increased understanding of the disease's genetic factors, and its devastating effects on mental function and quality of life.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alzheimer's disease has moved above flu/pneumonia in terms of relevance and importance due to several reasons. Firstly, Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes severe dementia and memory loss. It affects a large number of older adults, particularly those over the age of 85, and its prevalence is increasing as the population ages. The impact of Alzheimer's disease on individuals and families is significant, leading to a need for more research, awareness, and support.
Secondly, advances in medical research and understanding have helped uncover the underlying causes and genetic factors associated with Alzheimer's disease. There have been significant discoveries in the genes that make individuals more susceptible to Alzheimer's disease, providing insights into disease processes and potential targets for treatment.
Lastly, Alzheimer's disease has gained public attention and funding due to its devastating effects on mental function and quality of life. The presence of abnormal clumps and tangles in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, along with a significant loss of neurons, further highlights the urgency to study and find effective treatments for this disease.