In the week ending March 26, 2022, there were 549 deaths in the state. 15.8% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 15.8% were from cancer and 8.7% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 12.2% 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.
Colorado top 10 causes of death in week ending March 26, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending March 26, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending March 19, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 87 | 94 |
| Heart disease | 87 | 103 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 36 | 24 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 31 | 26 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 28 | 16 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 23 | 28 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 17 | 13 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 13 | 10 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 10 |
Colorado Dementia deaths in week ending March 26, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending March 26, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending March 19, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 67 | 40 |
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