In the week ending July 9, 2022, there were 907 deaths in the state. 19.1% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 19.5% were from cancer and 6.2% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 11.1% 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 July 9, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending July 9, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending July 2, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 177 | 157 |
| Heart disease | 173 | 170 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 51 | 53 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 47 | 36 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 42 | 44 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 31 | 33 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 25 | 14 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 25 | 18 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 12 | 15 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
South Carolina Dementia deaths in week ending July 9, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending July 9, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending July 2, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 101 | 95 |
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