In the week ending Oct. 8, 2022, there were 1,099 deaths in the state. 25.7% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 16.8% were from cancer and 3.3% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 9.2% 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 Oct. 8, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 1, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 282 | 253 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 185 | 214 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 71 | 49 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 62 | 85 |
Alzheimer's disease | 57 | 35 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 32 | 21 |
Diabetes mellitus | 25 | 22 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 22 | 29 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 16 | 19 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 14 | 24 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 8, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 1, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 101 | 81 |