There were 10 deaths with chronic lower respiratory disease listed as the underlying cause reported in Delaware during the week ending April 2, 2022, an increase over the previous week, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the week ending April 2, 2022, there were 143 deaths in the state. 29.4% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 15.4% were from cancer and less than 7% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 7.7% 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 | Deaths in Week Ending April 2, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending March 26, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | 42 | 34 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 22 | 26 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 10 | < 10 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 10 |
| Diabetes mellitus | < 10 | < 10 |
| Alzheimer’s disease | < 10 | < 10 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | < 10 | < 10 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 10 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | < 10 | < 10 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | 0 | < 10 |
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending April 2, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending March 26, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 11 | 20 |
