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 |