In the week ending Aug. 6, 2022, there were 1,597 deaths in the state. 21.5% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 20.9% were from cancer and 11.4% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 10.3% 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 Aug. 6, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending July 30, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 343 | 321 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 333 | 356 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 107 | 98 |
Alzheimer's disease | 89 | 73 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 81 | 96 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 75 | 77 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 74 | 78 |
Diabetes mellitus | 37 | 34 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 28 | 41 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 18 | 21 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 6, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending July 30, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 165 | 171 |