In the week ending May 29, 2021, there were 1,137 deaths in the state. 23.7% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 21% were from cancer and 5% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 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 | Deaths in Week Ending May 29, 2021 | Deaths in Week Ending May 22, 2021 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 270 | 288 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 239 | 235 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 49 | 54 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 48 | 68 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 38 | 20 |
Diabetes mellitus | 37 | 23 |
Alzheimer's disease | 34 | 47 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 31 | 44 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 26 | 39 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 13 | 12 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending May 29, 2021 | Deaths in Week Ending May 22, 2021 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 91 | 86 |