In the week ending Sept. 17, 2022, there were 1,044 deaths in the state. 24.3% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 19% were from cancer and 7.3% 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 Sept. 17, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Sept. 10, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 254 | 241 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 198 | 192 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 72 | 58 |
Alzheimer's disease | 55 | 47 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 48 | 40 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 41 | 53 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 35 | 37 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 23 | 30 |
Diabetes mellitus | 20 | 33 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 14 | 15 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Sept. 17, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Sept. 10, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 113 | 88 |