In the week ending July 16, 2022, there were 583 deaths in the state. 20.1% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 19.4% were from cancer and 3.9% 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.
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending July 16, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending July 9, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 117 | 110 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 113 | 130 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 26 | 24 |
Alzheimer's disease | 20 | 17 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 19 | 20 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 13 | 21 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 10 | 14 |
Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | 12 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | 18 |
Diabetes mellitus | < 10 | 16 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending July 16, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending July 9, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 63 | 71 |