In the week ending May 8, 2021, there were 194 deaths in the state. 19.1% of deaths were caused by heart disease and 19.6% were from cancer Additionally, 8.8% 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.
Montana top 10 causes of death in week ending May 8, 2021
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending May 8, 2021 | Deaths in Week Ending May 1, 2021 |
---|---|---|
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 38 | 58 |
Heart disease | 37 | 44 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 11 | < 10 |
Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 10 |
Diabetes mellitus | < 10 | < 10 |
Alzheimer's disease | < 10 | < 10 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | < 10 | < 10 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | < 10 | < 10 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 0 | < 10 |
Montana Dementia deaths in week ending May 8, 2021
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending May 8, 2021 | Deaths in Week Ending May 1, 2021 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 17 | 23 |