In the week ending May 22, 2021, there were 1,679 deaths in the state. 20.8% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 20.2% were from cancer and 9.4% 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 May 22, 2021 | Deaths in Week Ending May 15, 2021 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 349 | 339 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 339 | 294 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 101 | 112 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 82 | 69 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 75 | 62 |
Alzheimer's disease | 74 | 60 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 71 | 90 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 42 | 52 |
Diabetes mellitus | 33 | 50 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 19 | 15 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending May 22, 2021 | Deaths in Week Ending May 15, 2021 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 154 | 141 |