In the week ending June 24, there were 1,013 deaths in the state. 20.6% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 18.5% were from cancer and 1.1% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 11.8% 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.
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending June 24 | Deaths in Week Ending June 17 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 209 | 214 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 187 | 195 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 59 | 38 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 50 | 61 |
Alzheimer's disease | 49 | 55 |
Diabetes mellitus | 23 | 28 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 11 | < 10 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 11 | 20 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 11 | 14 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 10 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending June 24 | Deaths in Week Ending June 17 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 120 | 133 |