In the week ending May 8, 2021, there were 2,694 deaths in the state. 21.6% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 18.7% were from cancer and 18.4% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 7% 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 May 8, 2021 | Deaths in Week Ending May 1, 2021 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 583 | 586 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 505 | 505 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 262 | 258 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 233 | 239 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 132 | 110 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 90 | 104 |
Diabetes mellitus | 76 | 84 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 61 | 54 |
Alzheimer's disease | 61 | 67 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 39 | 28 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending May 8, 2021 | Deaths in Week Ending May 1, 2021 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 188 | 212 |