In the week ending Oct. 8, 2022, there were 1,144 deaths in the state. 19.7% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 20.5% were from cancer and 4.9% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 9.8% 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 Oct. 8, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 1, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 234 | 230 |
Heart disease | 225 | 235 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 62 | 49 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 52 | 56 |
Alzheimer's disease | 51 | 50 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 33 | 40 |
Diabetes mellitus | 30 | 27 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 23 | 24 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 20 | 11 |
Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 8, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 1, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 112 | 121 |