In the week ending April 16, 2022, there were 587 deaths in the state. 21.3% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 15.8% were from cancer and 1.9% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 11.2% 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 16, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending April 16, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending April 9, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | 125 | 177 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 93 | 127 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 30 | 37 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 30 | 32 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 24 | 27 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 22 | 38 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | 12 | < 10 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 11 | 12 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | 14 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 10 |
South Carolina Dementia deaths in week ending April 16, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending April 16, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending April 9, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 66 | 93 |
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