In the week ending March 26, 2022, there were 561 deaths in the state. 19.3% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 24.2% were from cancer and 3.4% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 13.9% 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 | Deaths in Week Ending March 26, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending March 19, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 136 | 137 |
Heart disease | 108 | 121 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 42 | 29 |
Alzheimer's disease | 37 | 24 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 24 | 27 |
Diabetes mellitus | 20 | 15 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 19 | 13 |
Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 10 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 10 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending March 26, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending March 19, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 78 | 74 |