In the week ending Sept. 10, 2022, there were 359 deaths in the state. 15.9% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 16.7% were from cancer and 6.4% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 7.5% 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 Sept. 10, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Sept. 10, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Sept. 3, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 60 | 82 |
| Heart disease | 57 | 49 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 21 | 16 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 15 | 10 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 15 | 11 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 13 | 13 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 11 | 15 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | 10 | < 10 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 10 | 12 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 10 |
New Mexico Dementia deaths in week ending Sept. 10, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Sept. 10, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Sept. 3, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 27 | 20 |
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