In the week ending June 12, there were 333 deaths in the state. 14.7 percent of deaths were caused by heart disease, 19.5 percent were from cancer and less than 3 percent were from COVID-19. Additionally, 5.7 percent 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.
New Mexico top 10 causes of death in week ending June 12
| Cause of Death | Cause of Death | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 65 | 19.5 |
| Heart disease | 49 | 14.7 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 21 | 6.3 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 17 | 5.1 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 11 | 3.3 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 3 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 3 |
| Alzheimer's disease | < 10 | < 3 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 3 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | < 10 | < 3 |
New Mexico Dementia deaths in week ending June 12
| Cause of Death | Cause of Death | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 19 | 5.7 |
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