In the week ending Sept. 3, 2022, there were 1,018 deaths in the state. 17.7% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 18.4% were from cancer and 8.1% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 11.7% 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.
South Carolina top 10 causes of death in week ending Sept. 3, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Sept. 3, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 27, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 187 | 188 |
| Heart disease | 180 | 208 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 53 | 62 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 52 | 50 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 49 | 50 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 49 | 71 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 33 | 54 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 31 | 21 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 19 | 15 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | 12 | < 10 |
South Carolina Dementia deaths in week ending Sept. 3, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Sept. 3, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 27, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 119 | 120 |
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