In the week ending May 7, 2022, there were 2,992 deaths in the state. 21.2% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 20.2% were from cancer and 3.8% 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 May 7, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending April 30, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 635 | 792 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 605 | 787 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 204 | 278 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 175 | 171 |
Diabetes mellitus | 93 | 114 |
Alzheimer's disease | 85 | 105 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 67 | 79 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 48 | 37 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 39 | 50 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 32 | 51 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending May 7, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending April 30, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 263 | 307 |