In the week ending Aug. 27, 2022, there were 828 deaths in the state. 21.5% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 23.6% were from cancer and 9.8% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 10% 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 Aug. 27, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 20, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 195 | 221 |
Heart disease | 178 | 141 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 53 | 32 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 45 | 37 |
Diabetes mellitus | 28 | 36 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 28 | 22 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 26 | 29 |
Alzheimer's disease | 24 | 51 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 10 | < 10 |
Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 27, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 20, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 83 | 102 |