In the week ending May 15, 2021, there were 1,635 deaths in the state. 20.5% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 17.7% were from cancer and 7.9% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 8.6% 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 May 15, 2021 | Deaths in Week Ending May 8, 2021 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 335 | 347 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 289 | 334 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 110 | 92 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 90 | 73 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 68 | 104 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 61 | 87 |
Alzheimer's disease | 59 | 69 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 52 | 39 |
Diabetes mellitus | 48 | 40 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 15 | 18 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending May 15, 2021 | Deaths in Week Ending May 8, 2021 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 140 | 151 |