In the week ending April 23, 2022, there were 539 deaths in the state. 19.3% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 17.1% were from cancer and less than 1.9% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 9.8% 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 April 23, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending April 23, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending April 16, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | 104 | 111 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 92 | 106 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 35 | 32 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 25 | 30 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 21 | 39 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 14 | 17 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 10 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 10 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | < 10 | < 10 |
Colorado Dementia deaths in week ending April 23, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending April 23, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending April 16, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 53 | 67 |
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