There were 168 deaths with chronic lower respiratory disease listed as the underlying cause reported in Texas during the week ending May 28, 2022, a 12% decrease from the previous week, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the week ending May 28, 2022, there were 3,280 deaths in the state. 20% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 20.9% were from cancer and 3% were from COVID-19.

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.