In the week ending June 19, 2021, there were 558 deaths in the state. 23.8% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 19.2% were from cancer and 9% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 6.3% 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 | 133 | 23.8 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 107 | 19.2 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 31 | 5.6 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 28 | 5 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 24 | 4.3 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 22 | 3.9 |
Alzheimer's disease | 12 | 2.2 |
Diabetes mellitus | 11 | 2 |
Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 1.8 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 1.8 |
Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 35 | 6.3 |