First State Times

There were 12 deaths from chronic lower respiratory diseases reported in Delaware in the week ending July 1, making up 6.3% of total deaths by all causes in Delaware, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the week ending July 1, there were 192 deaths in the state. 20.3% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 29.7% were from cancer and less than 5.2% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 6.3% 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)	57	29.7
Heart disease	39	20.3
Cerebrovascular diseases	18	9.4
Chronic lower respiratory diseases	12	6.3
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
COVID-19 (underlying cause)	< 10	< 5.2
COVID-19 (multiple cause)	< 10	< 5.2

Cause of Death	Number of Deaths	% of Total Deaths
Alzheimer disease and dementia	12	6.3