In the week ending May 15, 2021, there were 194 deaths in the state. 15.5% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 21.6% were from cancer and 5.2% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 10.3% 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) | 42 | 21.6 |
Heart disease | 30 | 15.5 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 14 | 7.2 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 10 | 5.2 |
Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 5.2 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 5.2 |
Diabetes mellitus | < 10 | < 5.2 |
Alzheimer's disease | < 10 | < 5.2 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | < 10 | < 5.2 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 5.2 |
Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 20 | 10.3 |