Lifestyle diseases (also called diseases of longevity or diseases of civilization) are diseases that appear to increase in frequency as countries become more industrialized and people live longer. They include Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, cancer, chronic liver disease or cirrhosis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, nephritis or chronic renal failure, osteoporosis, acne, stroke, depression and obesity.

Causes

Factors in diet, lifestyle, and the house are thought to influence susceptibility to the diseases listed below. Smoking, alcohol and drug abuse as well as the lack of exercise may increase the risk of certain diseases in later life