In the week ending June 25, 2022, there were 728 deaths in the state. 19.9% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 20.1% were from cancer and 5.4% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 11.8% 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.
South Carolina top 10 causes of death in week ending June 25, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending June 25, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending June 18, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 146 | 180 |
| Heart disease | 145 | 167 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 44 | 46 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 40 | 29 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 37 | 45 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 25 | 30 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 18 | 26 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 14 | 13 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 13 | 14 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | 13 |
South Carolina Dementia deaths in week ending June 25, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending June 25, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending June 18, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 86 | 75 |
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