There were less than 10 deaths from nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis reported in Minnesota in the week ending July 15, making up less than 1.2% of total deaths by all causes in Minnesota, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the week ending July 15, there were 841 deaths in the state. 16.9% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 22.9% were from cancer and less than 1.2% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 10.8% of deaths were from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Studies show doctors and medical examiners may underreport Alzheimer’s disease and dementia-related conditions as the underlying cause of death on death certificates, according to the National Institute on Aging.
Once infected, older adults with dementia are likely to develop a more severe and dangerous illness. The diseases which make an older adult more vulnerable to COVID-19 are age-associated chronic conditions, according to the Bright Focus Foundation.
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 193 | 22.9 |
| Heart disease | 142 | 16.9 |
| Alzheimer’s disease | 49 | 5.8 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 42 | 5 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 38 | 4.5 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 38 | 4.5 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 1.2 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 1.2 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 1.2 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | < 10 | < 1.2 |
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 91 | 10.8 |
