In the week ending Aug. 20, 2022, there were 1,061 deaths in the state. 19.8% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 16% were from cancer and 11.3% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 9.7% 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.
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 20, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 13, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 210 | 185 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 170 | 201 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 71 | 59 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 64 | 39 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 49 | 37 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 46 | 45 |
Alzheimer's disease | 34 | 44 |
Diabetes mellitus | 28 | 28 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 22 | 18 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 12 | < 10 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 20, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 13, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 103 | 105 |