In the week ending Aug. 27, 2022, there were 3,934 deaths in the state. 18.8% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 20.1% were from cancer and 9.2% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 10% 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 Aug. 27, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 20, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 792 | 796 |
Heart disease | 740 | 819 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 230 | 219 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 217 | 222 |
Alzheimer's disease | 192 | 196 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 156 | 160 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 146 | 167 |
Diabetes mellitus | 111 | 136 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 77 | 74 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 45 | 38 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 27, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 20, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 393 | 407 |