In the week ending March 19, 2022, there were 227 deaths in the state. 15.9% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 15.9% were from cancer and 11.9% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 10.6% 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 March 19, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending March 12, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 36 | 45 |
Heart disease | 36 | 40 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 14 | 20 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 14 | 21 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 13 | < 10 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 13 | 20 |
Diabetes mellitus | 11 | 12 |
Alzheimer's disease | 11 | 10 |
Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 10 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending March 19, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending March 12, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 24 | 27 |