There were 12 deaths with cerebrovascular disease listed as the underlying cause reported in Delaware during the week ending May 29, 2021, an increase over the previous week, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the week ending May 29, 2021, there were 157 deaths in the state. 18.5% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 24.2% were from cancer and less than 6.4% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 8.9% 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 May 29, 2021 | Deaths in Week Ending May 22, 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 38 | 42 |
| Heart disease | 29 | 36 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 12 | < 10 |
| 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 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 10 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | < 10 | < 10 |
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending May 29, 2021 | Deaths in Week Ending May 22, 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 14 | 16 |
