Constitution State News

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