Final answer:
The statement is false because the leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease, not Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's is a major concern but ranks below heart disease and cancer in mortality rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of death in the United States is false. While Alzheimer's is indeed the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, with an estimated 5.4 million Americans affected in 2012 and projections of up to 13 million by 2050, it is not the leading cause of death in the country. The leading cause of death in the United States is actually heart disease, followed by cancer.
Heart disease's prevalence is primarily due to factors such as sedentary lifestyles and diets high in trans-fats. Conversely, cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells and is influenced by behavioral factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, weight control, and dietary habits.