In the week ending Nov. 5, 2022, there were 1,132 deaths in the state. 19.6% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 17% were from cancer and 4.7% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 10.1% 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 Nov. 5, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Nov. 5, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 29, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | 222 | 225 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 193 | 238 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 61 | 64 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 56 | 48 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 45 | 47 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 35 | 31 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 32 | 42 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 23 | 22 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 21 | 23 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | 15 | 10 |
South Carolina Dementia deaths in week ending Nov. 5, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Nov. 5, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 29, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 114 | 133 |
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