There were less than 10 deaths with COVID-19 listed as a contributing cause reported in Connecticut in the week ending June 17, making up less than 1.8% of total deaths by all causes in Connecticut, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the week ending June 17, there were 559 deaths in the state. 21.6% of deaths were caused by heart disease and 20% were from cancer Additionally, 10% 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 | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | 121 | 21.6 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 112 | 20 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 25 | 4.5 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 25 | 4.5 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 17 | 3 |
| Alzheimer’s disease | 12 | 2.1 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 1.8 |
| Diabetes mellitus | < 10 | < 1.8 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | < 10 | < 1.8 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 0 | 0 |
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 56 | 10 |
