In the week ending June 25, 2022, there were 754 deaths in the state. 16.2% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 24.9% were from cancer and 7.6% 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.
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending June 25, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending June 18, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 188 | 138 |
Heart disease | 122 | 139 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 38 | 40 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 36 | 43 |
Alzheimer's disease | 34 | 26 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 30 | 37 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 21 | 27 |
Diabetes mellitus | 14 | 18 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 10 | < 10 |
Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending June 25, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending June 18, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 92 | 69 |