In the week ending April 9, 2022, there were 721 deaths in the state. 23.9% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 17.3% were from cancer and 1.7% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 12.5% 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 April 9, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending April 9, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending April 2, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | 172 | 175 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 125 | 117 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 38 | 38 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 37 | 29 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 31 | 41 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 25 | 15 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 14 | 13 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 12 | 14 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 10 |
South Carolina Dementia deaths in week ending April 9, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending April 9, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending April 2, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 90 | 78 |
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