In the week ending July 16, 2022, there were 743 deaths in the state. 15.7% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 22.7% were from cancer and 11.2% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 9.6% 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 July 16, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending July 9, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 169 | 154 |
Heart disease | 117 | 117 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 55 | 35 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 45 | 61 |
Alzheimer's disease | 40 | 36 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 37 | 32 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 28 | 21 |
Diabetes mellitus | 15 | 24 |
Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | 10 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 10 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending July 16, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending July 9, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 71 | 83 |