In the week ending Aug. 6, 2022, there were 1,117 deaths in the state. 17.9% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 17.8% were from cancer and 7.3% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 10.2% 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 Aug. 6, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 6, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending July 30, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | 200 | 211 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 199 | 200 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 65 | 39 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 65 | 48 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 52 | 40 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 47 | 60 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 34 | 44 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 29 | 31 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 21 | 22 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
South Carolina Dementia deaths in week ending Aug. 6, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 6, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending July 30, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 114 | 92 |
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