Big Sky Times

There were less than 10 deaths with COVID-19 listed as the underlying cause reported in Montana in the week ending Nov. 12, making up less than 4.3% of total deaths by all causes in Montana, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the week ending Nov. 12, there were 230 deaths in the state. 15.7% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 25.7% were from cancer and 5.2% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 9.6% 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	Number of Deaths	% of Total Deaths
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor)	59	25.7
Heart disease	36	15.7
Chronic lower respiratory diseases	13	5.7
COVID-19 (multiple cause)	12	5.2
Influenza and pneumonia	< 10	< 4.3
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis	< 10	< 4.3
Diabetes mellitus	< 10	< 4.3
Alzheimer's disease	< 10	< 4.3
Cerebrovascular diseases	< 10	< 4.3
COVID-19 (underlying cause)	< 10	< 4.3

Cause of Death	Number of Deaths	% of Total Deaths
Alzheimer disease and dementia	22	9.6