In the week ending July 30, 2022, there were 1,042 deaths in the state. 22.9% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 21.5% were from cancer and 6.2% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 9.3% 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 July 30, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending July 23, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 239 | 233 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 224 | 206 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 45 | 50 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 41 | 48 |
Alzheimer's disease | 40 | 54 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 38 | 46 |
Diabetes mellitus | 32 | 24 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 24 | 30 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 13 | < 10 |
Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending July 30, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending July 23, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 97 | 105 |