In the week ending Nov. 12, 2022, there were 4,327 deaths in the state. 22.1% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 19.8% were from cancer and 3.2% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 9.3% 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 Nov. 12, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Nov. 5, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 957 | 857 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 857 | 857 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 228 | 240 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 177 | 184 |
Alzheimer's disease | 173 | 186 |
Diabetes mellitus | 134 | 145 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 105 | 88 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 81 | 71 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 73 | 51 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 58 | 46 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Nov. 12, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Nov. 5, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 403 | 441 |