In the week ending Aug. 6, 2022, there were 892 deaths in the state. 23.4% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 23% were from cancer and 10.9% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 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 Aug. 6, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending July 30, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 209 | 180 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 205 | 172 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 60 | 75 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 56 | 42 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 37 | 48 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 35 | 36 |
Diabetes mellitus | 26 | 28 |
Alzheimer's disease | 22 | 33 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 15 | 17 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 14 | 10 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 6, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending July 30, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 71 | 85 |