Big Sky Times

There were less than 10 deaths with COVID-19 listed as the underlying cause reported in Montana in the week ending May 22, making up less than 4.5 percent of total deaths by all causes in Montana, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the week ending May 22, there were 221 deaths in the state. 21.3 percent of deaths were caused by heart disease, 20.8 percent were from cancer and less than 4.5 percent were from COVID-19. Additionally, 9.5 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
Heart disease	47	21.3
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor)	46	20.8
Chronic lower respiratory diseases	12	5.4
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis	< 10	< 4.5
Diabetes mellitus	< 10	< 4.5
Alzheimer's disease	< 10	< 4.5
Cerebrovascular diseases	< 10	< 4.5
COVID-19 (underlying cause)	< 10	< 4.5
COVID-19 (multiple cause)	< 10	< 4.5
Influenza and pneumonia	0	0

Cause of Death	Cause of Death	% of Total Deaths
Alzheimer disease and dementia	21	9.5