In the week ending May 15, 2021, there were 2,670 deaths in the state. 21.2% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 19.9% were from cancer and 14.4% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 8.5% 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 15, 2021 | Deaths in Week Ending May 8, 2021 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 566 | 584 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 530 | 505 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 205 | 263 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 180 | 234 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 125 | 132 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 97 | 90 |
Diabetes mellitus | 72 | 77 |
Alzheimer's disease | 68 | 61 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 48 | 62 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 23 | 39 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending May 15, 2021 | Deaths in Week Ending May 8, 2021 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 227 | 189 |