In the week ending June 4, 2022, there were 3,357 deaths in the state. 22.1% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 21.5% were from cancer and 3.2% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 11.2% 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 June 4, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending May 28, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 743 | 666 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 722 | 702 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 207 | 198 |
Alzheimer's disease | 182 | 165 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 166 | 170 |
Diabetes mellitus | 105 | 106 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 70 | 63 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 67 | 72 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 37 | 39 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 36 | 34 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending June 4, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending May 28, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 376 | 345 |