In the week ending July 2, 2022, there were 2,138 deaths in the state. 22.3% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 20.3% were from cancer and 4.5% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 9.5% 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 July 2, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending June 25, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 476 | 490 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 433 | 403 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 129 | 116 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 103 | 110 |
Alzheimer's disease | 91 | 65 |
Diabetes mellitus | 67 | 52 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 62 | 58 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 37 | 40 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 35 | 40 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 18 | 26 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending July 2, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending June 25, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 203 | 161 |