In the week ending Aug. 20, 2022, there were 2,024 deaths in the state. 21.9% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 20.9% were from cancer and 6.6% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 8.3% 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. 20, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 13, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 443 | 453 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 424 | 427 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 90 | 65 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 85 | 92 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 76 | 71 |
Diabetes mellitus | 51 | 39 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 48 | 65 |
Alzheimer's disease | 43 | 39 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 35 | 36 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 27 | 34 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 20, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 13, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 167 | 169 |