In the week ending Dec. 10, 2022, there were 656 deaths in the state. 18.6% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 18.6% were from cancer and 8.5% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 12.8% 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 |
---|---|---|
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 122 | 18.6 |
Heart disease | 122 | 18.6 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 34 | 5.2 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 30 | 4.6 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 29 | 4.4 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 26 | 4 |
Alzheimer's disease | 22 | 3.4 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 22 | 3.4 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 19 | 2.9 |
Diabetes mellitus | 11 | 1.7 |
Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 84 | 12.8 |