There were 27 deaths from chronic lower respiratory diseases reported in Nevada in the week ending June 24, making up 5.3% of total deaths by all causes in Nevada, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the week ending June 24, there were 512 deaths in the state. 25.6% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 18% were from cancer and 2% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 7.6% 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 | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | 131 | 25.6 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 92 | 18 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 27 | 5.3 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 22 | 4.3 |
| Alzheimer’s disease | 13 | 2.5 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 12 | 2.3 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 10 | 2 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 2 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 2 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 2 |
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 39 | 7.6 |
