In the week ending April 23, 2022, there were 803 deaths in the state. 25.9% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 21.4% were from cancer and 4.2% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 10.1% 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 April 23, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending April 16, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 208 | 237 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 172 | 226 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 57 | 52 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 46 | 48 |
Alzheimer's disease | 36 | 43 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 21 | 19 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 20 | 19 |
Diabetes mellitus | 17 | 26 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 15 | 19 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 14 | 13 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending April 23, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending April 16, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 81 | 101 |