In the week ending Aug. 27, 2022, there were 2,546 deaths in the state. 20.5% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 22% were from cancer and 7% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 9% 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 Aug. 27, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 20, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 559 | 566 |
Heart disease | 522 | 547 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 116 | 122 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 115 | 127 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 108 | 110 |
Diabetes mellitus | 74 | 55 |
Alzheimer's disease | 71 | 57 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 63 | 83 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 55 | 58 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 21 | 21 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 27, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 20, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 228 | 209 |