In the week ending June 24, there were 4,362 deaths in the state. 22.2% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 19.8% were from cancer and 1.3% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 9.5% 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 24 | Deaths in Week Ending June 17 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 969 | 909 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 865 | 840 |
Alzheimer's disease | 207 | 183 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 205 | 236 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 176 | 175 |
Diabetes mellitus | 135 | 141 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 105 | 100 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 42 | 32 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 34 | 38 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 22 | 24 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending June 24 | Deaths in Week Ending June 17 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 414 | 414 |