In the week ending May 29, 2021, there were 1,695 deaths in the state. 21.5% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 20.4% were from cancer and 8.3% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 8.5% 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 29, 2021 | Deaths in Week Ending May 22, 2021 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 365 | 360 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 346 | 341 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 104 | 102 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 84 | 71 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 75 | 84 |
Alzheimer's disease | 72 | 75 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 66 | 76 |
Diabetes mellitus | 40 | 33 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 37 | 42 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 13 | 19 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending May 29, 2021 | Deaths in Week Ending May 22, 2021 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 144 | 156 |