In the week ending June 24, there were 1,253 deaths in the state. 23.1% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 19.8% were from cancer and 0.9% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 8.9% 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 | 290 | 281 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 248 | 279 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 82 | 94 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 54 | 64 |
Diabetes mellitus | 48 | 41 |
Alzheimer's disease | 30 | 35 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 27 | 31 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 19 | 17 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 11 | 18 |
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 | 111 | 115 |