In the week ending Oct. 15, 2022, there were 1,120 deaths in the state. 25.7% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 17.5% were from cancer and 2.9% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 8.8% 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 Oct. 15, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 8, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 288 | 282 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 196 | 185 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 67 | 71 |
Alzheimer's disease | 52 | 57 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 48 | 62 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 31 | 32 |
Diabetes mellitus | 24 | 25 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 22 | 16 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 19 | 22 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 13 | 14 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 15, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 8, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 99 | 101 |