In the week ending Oct. 22, 2022, there were 385 deaths in the state. 19.2% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 18.4% were from cancer and 6.5% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 11.4% 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 Oct. 22, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 22, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 15, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | 74 | 56 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 71 | 55 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 21 | 19 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 20 | 20 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 19 | 13 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 17 | 18 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 15 | 11 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 10 | < 10 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 10 |
New Mexico Dementia deaths in week ending Oct. 22, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 22, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 15, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 44 | 39 |
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