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Friday, November 8, 2024

85 people die from Alzheimer's disease in Pennsylvania during week ending Dec. 3

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There were 85 deaths from Alzheimer's disease reported in Pennsylvania in the week ending Dec. 3, making up 2.9% of total deaths by all causes in Pennsylvania, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the week ending Dec. 3, there were 2,956 deaths in the state. 22.4% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 17.8% were from cancer and 7.1% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 8.6% 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.

Pennsylvania top 10 causes of death in week ending Dec. 3

Cause of DeathNumber of Deaths% of Total Deaths
Heart disease66322.4
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor)52517.8
Cerebrovascular diseases1444.9
COVID-19 (multiple cause)1334.5
Chronic lower respiratory diseases1304.4
Alzheimer's disease852.9
Diabetes mellitus832.8
COVID-19 (underlying cause)782.6
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis632.1
Influenza and pneumonia541.8

Pennsylvania Dementia deaths in week ending Dec. 3
Cause of DeathNumber of Deaths% of Total Deaths
Alzheimer disease and dementia2548.6

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