Big Sky Times

There were 15 deaths from chronic lower respiratory diseases reported in Montana in the week ending August 21, making up 5.6 percent of total deaths by all causes in Montana, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the week ending August 21, there were 270 deaths in the state. 21.5 percent of deaths were caused by heart disease, 11.9 percent were from cancer and 33 percent were from COVID-19. Additionally, 8.9 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	58	21.5
COVID-19 (multiple cause)	46	17
COVID-19 (underlying cause)	43	15.9
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor)	32	11.9
Chronic lower respiratory diseases	15	5.6
Cerebrovascular diseases	11	4.1
Alzheimer's disease	10	3.7
Influenza and pneumonia	< 10	< 3.7
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis	< 10	< 3.7
Diabetes mellitus	< 10	< 3.7

Cause of Death	Cause of Death	% of Total Deaths
Alzheimer disease and dementia	24	8.9