In the week ending Aug. 6, 2022, there were 4,414 deaths in the state. 19.4% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 19.7% were from cancer and 12.7% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 9% 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.
Florida top 10 causes of death in week ending Aug. 6, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 6, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending July 30, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 870 | 872 |
| Heart disease | 856 | 896 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 338 | 333 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 297 | 291 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 223 | 222 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 191 | 207 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 122 | 147 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 122 | 115 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 75 | 74 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | 47 | 42 |
Florida Dementia deaths in week ending Aug. 6, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 6, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending July 30, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 398 | 364 |
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