In the week ending Oct. 8, 2022, there were 1,132 deaths in the state. 19.1% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 19.8% were from cancer and 5.6% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 10.6% 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 Oct. 8, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 8, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 1, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 224 | 220 |
| Heart disease | 216 | 218 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 60 | 57 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 52 | 60 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 42 | 34 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 38 | 43 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 27 | 29 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 25 | 26 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 20 | 16 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
South Carolina Dementia deaths in week ending Oct. 8, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 8, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 1, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 120 | 118 |
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