In the week ending May 1, 2021, there were 929 deaths in the state. 17.8% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 21.2% were from cancer and 11.1% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 7.6% 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.
South Carolina top 10 causes of death in week ending May 1, 2021
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending May 1, 2021 | Deaths in Week Ending April 24, 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 197 | 177 |
| Heart disease | 165 | 192 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 54 | 75 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 53 | 49 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 49 | 65 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 40 | 52 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 28 | 36 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 18 | 14 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 14 | 21 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
South Carolina Dementia deaths in week ending May 1, 2021
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending May 1, 2021 | Deaths in Week Ending April 24, 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 71 | 80 |
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