In the week ending April 9, 2022, there were 608 deaths in the state. 20.9% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 21.1% were from cancer and 2.1% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 13.2% 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 April 9, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending April 2, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 128 | 171 |
Heart disease | 127 | 190 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 49 | 66 |
Alzheimer's disease | 36 | 23 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 36 | 59 |
Diabetes mellitus | 24 | 30 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 13 | 25 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 10 | 27 |
Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | 20 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending April 9, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending April 2, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 80 | 90 |