In the week ending April 16, 2022, there were 806 deaths in the state. 22.3% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 21.1% were from cancer and 4.3% 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.
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending April 16, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending April 9, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 180 | 130 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 170 | 130 |
Alzheimer's disease | 56 | 23 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 40 | 20 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 34 | 28 |
Diabetes mellitus | 22 | 18 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 21 | 11 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 14 | < 10 |
Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 10 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending April 16, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending April 9, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 94 | 50 |