In the week ending Oct. 29, 2022, there were 568 deaths in the state. 21.8% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 20.2% were from cancer and 5.5% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 7.9% 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 | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 29, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 22, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 124 | 128 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 115 | 106 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 31 | 36 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 25 | 27 |
Diabetes mellitus | 20 | 22 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 17 | < 10 |
Alzheimer's disease | 15 | 20 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 14 | < 10 |
Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 10 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 29, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 22, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 45 | 39 |