In the week ending May 22, 2021, there were 221 deaths in the state. 21.3% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 20.8% were from cancer and less than 4.5% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 9.5% 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 |
---|---|---|
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 | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 21 | 9.5 |