In the week ending Oct. 15, 2022, there were 456 deaths in the state. 19.1% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 17.5% were from cancer and 6.8% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 7% 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. 15, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 8, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 87 | 94 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 80 | 97 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 27 | 25 |
Diabetes mellitus | 18 | 17 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 18 | 16 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 18 | 24 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 13 | 19 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 11 | < 10 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 10 | 16 |
Alzheimer's disease | 10 | 14 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 15, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 8, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 32 | 37 |