In the week ending April 16, 2022, there were 1,443 deaths in the state. 24.3% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 19.4% were from cancer and 4.8% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 9.2% 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 April 16, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending April 9, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 351 | 419 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 280 | 334 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 58 | 68 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 58 | 59 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 41 | 32 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 38 | 49 |
Alzheimer's disease | 35 | 36 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 31 | 34 |
Diabetes mellitus | 28 | 37 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 27 | 23 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending April 16, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending April 9, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 133 | 151 |