In the week ending Nov. 5, 2022, there were 577 deaths in the state. 22.5% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 19.6% were from cancer and 6.9% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 8% 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 Nov. 5, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 29, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 130 | 124 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 113 | 115 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 40 | 25 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 28 | 31 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 23 | 17 |
Diabetes mellitus | 19 | 20 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 18 | < 10 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 17 | 14 |
Alzheimer's disease | 16 | 15 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 10 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Nov. 5, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 29, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 46 | 45 |