In the week ending June 26, there were 373 deaths in the state. 13.9 percent of deaths were caused by heart disease, 18.8 percent were from cancer and 8 percent were from COVID-19. Additionally, 7.2 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 26
| Cause of Death | Cause of Death | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 70 | 18.8 |
| Heart disease | 52 | 13.9 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 25 | 6.7 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 17 | 4.6 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 15 | 4 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 13 | 3.5 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 10 | 2.7 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 10 | 2.7 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 2.7 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 2.7 |
New Mexico Dementia deaths in week ending June 26
| Cause of Death | Cause of Death | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 27 | 7.2 |
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