In the week ending Nov. 12, 2022, there were 1,768 deaths in the state. 20.8% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 21.8% were from cancer and 2.5% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 8.8% 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 Nov. 12, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Nov. 5, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 385 | 332 |
Heart disease | 368 | 378 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 96 | 80 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 89 | 100 |
Alzheimer's disease | 71 | 83 |
Diabetes mellitus | 51 | 41 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 42 | 44 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 30 | 30 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 28 | 43 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 16 | 30 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Nov. 12, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Nov. 5, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 155 | 189 |