In the week ending March 26, 2022, there were 741 deaths in the state. 25.2% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 14.4% were from cancer and 9.3% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 8.2% 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 March 26, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending March 19, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 187 | 206 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 107 | 151 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 50 | 57 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 39 | 51 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 33 | 41 |
Alzheimer's disease | 30 | 31 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 30 | 43 |
Diabetes mellitus | 18 | 19 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 17 | 18 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 12 | 15 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending March 26, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending March 19, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 61 | 71 |