In the week ending May 29, 2021, there were 582 deaths in the state. 21.8% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 19.8% were from cancer and 5.5% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 10.8% 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.
Connecticut top 10 causes of death in week ending May 29, 2021
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending May 29, 2021 | Deaths in Week Ending May 22, 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | 127 | 101 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 115 | 116 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 22 | 15 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 20 | 22 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 16 | 19 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 16 | 12 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 16 | 12 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 14 | 12 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | 10 | < 10 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 10 | < 10 |
Connecticut Dementia deaths in week ending May 29, 2021
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending May 29, 2021 | Deaths in Week Ending May 22, 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 63 | 52 |
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