In the week ending March 26, 2022, there were 978 deaths in the state. 23.8% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 18.9% were from cancer and 7.5% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 8.9% 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 March 26, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending March 19, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 233 | 250 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 185 | 219 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 56 | 71 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 47 | 61 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 40 | 66 |
Alzheimer's disease | 38 | 50 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 33 | 55 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 29 | 26 |
Diabetes mellitus | 26 | 22 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 14 | 13 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending March 26, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending March 19, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 87 | 102 |