There were 797 deaths with cancer listed as the underlying cause reported in Texas during the week ending October 16, a 3.4 percent decrease from the previous week, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the week ending October 16, there were 5,031 deaths in the state. 17.3 percent of deaths were caused by heart disease, 15.8 percent were from cancer and 39.6 percent were from COVID-19. Additionally, 7.6 percent 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.