In the week ending Oct. 29, 2022, there were 2,516 deaths in the state. 21.3% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 18.2% were from cancer and 7.7% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 9.1% 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 | 535 | 535 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 459 | 467 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 148 | 123 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 127 | 124 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 119 | 98 |
Alzheimer's disease | 95 | 92 |
Diabetes mellitus | 75 | 79 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 75 | 71 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 43 | 60 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 36 | 33 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 29, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 22, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 229 | 206 |