In the week ending Aug. 27, 2022, there were 1,098 deaths in the state. 18.4% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 17.1% were from cancer and 11.4% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 10.8% 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 Aug. 27, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 27, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 20, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | 202 | 211 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 188 | 170 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 71 | 72 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 62 | 64 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 54 | 50 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 50 | 34 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 50 | 46 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 21 | 28 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 15 | 23 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | 12 |
South Carolina Dementia deaths in week ending Aug. 27, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 27, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 20, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 119 | 103 |
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