Big Sky Times

There were less than 10 deaths from influenza and pneumonia reported in Montana in the week ending May 8, making up less than 5.1 percent of total deaths by all causes in Montana, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the week ending May 8, there were 195 deaths in the state. 19 percent of deaths were caused by heart disease and 19.5 percent were from cancer Additionally, 8.7 percent 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	Cause of Death	% of Total Deaths
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor)	38	19.5
Heart disease	37	19
Chronic lower respiratory diseases	11	5.6
Influenza and pneumonia	< 10	< 5.1
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis	< 10	< 5.1
Diabetes mellitus	< 10	< 5.1
Alzheimer's disease	< 10	< 5.1
Cerebrovascular diseases	< 10	< 5.1
COVID-19 (multiple cause)	< 10	< 5.1
COVID-19 (underlying cause)	0	0

Cause of Death	Cause of Death	% of Total Deaths
Alzheimer disease and dementia	17	8.7