In 2006, Alzheimer’s disease became the 6th leading cause of death, compared to its ranking of 7th in 2005. Diabetes, ranked 6th in 2005, became the 7th leading cause in 2006.

In 2006, the 15 leading causes of death were as follows:

1. Diseases of heart

2. Malignant neoplasms

3. Cerebrovascular diseases

4. Chronic lower respiratory diseases

5. Accidents (unintentional injuries)

6. Alzheimer’s disease

7. Diabetes mellitus

8. Influenza and pneumonia

9. Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis

10. Septicemia

11. Intentional self-harm (suicide)

12. Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis

13. Essential hypertension and hypertensive renal disease

14. Parkinson’s disease

15. Assault (homicide)