In the week ending April 9, 2022, there were 1,568 deaths in the state. 21.6% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 18.1% were from cancer and 4.1% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 8.8% 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 April 9, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending April 2, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 338 | 397 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 284 | 359 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 104 | 91 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 83 | 94 |
Alzheimer's disease | 58 | 81 |
Diabetes mellitus | 56 | 61 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 40 | 65 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 25 | 35 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 25 | 39 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 17 | 13 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending April 9, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending April 2, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 138 | 174 |