In the week ending Aug. 20, 2022, there were 1,089 deaths in the state. 22.4% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 24.2% were from cancer and 10% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 7.8% 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 Aug. 20, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 13, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 264 | 235 |
Heart disease | 244 | 254 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 62 | 60 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 60 | 59 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 57 | 59 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 47 | 46 |
Alzheimer's disease | 39 | 39 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 33 | 21 |
Diabetes mellitus | 28 | 37 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 10 | 16 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 20, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 13, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 85 | 109 |