In the week ending Aug. 27, 2022, there were 1,906 deaths in the state. 24.2% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 19.8% were from cancer and 7.6% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 8.1% 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 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 461 | 445 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 378 | 424 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 84 | 85 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 75 | 90 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 60 | 76 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 60 | 48 |
Diabetes mellitus | 38 | 52 |
Alzheimer's disease | 36 | 43 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 35 | 35 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 31 | 27 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 27, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 20, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 155 | 167 |