In the week ending July 9, 2022, there were 494 deaths in the state. 18.2% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 23.1% were from cancer and 6.1% 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 | Deaths in Week Ending July 9, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending July 2, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 114 | 127 |
Heart disease | 90 | 101 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 22 | 32 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 19 | 20 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 17 | 25 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 16 | 18 |
Alzheimer's disease | 15 | 19 |
Diabetes mellitus | 13 | 13 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 13 | 21 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 12 | < 10 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending July 9, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending July 2, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 63 | 57 |