In the week ending June 4, 2022, there were 549 deaths in the state. 20.9% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 19.3% were from cancer and 10% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 11.7% 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.
Oregon top 10 causes of death in week ending June 4, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending June 4, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending May 28, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | 115 | 112 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 106 | 148 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 34 | 35 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 32 | 31 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 31 | 14 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 27 | 52 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 24 | < 10 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 17 | 26 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 10 |
Oregon Dementia deaths in week ending June 4, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending June 4, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending May 28, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 64 | 76 |
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