In the week ending May 15, 2021, there were 175 deaths in the state. 18.9% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 21.1% were from cancer and 5.7% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 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.
Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
---|---|---|
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 37 | 21.1 |
Heart disease | 33 | 18.9 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 15 | 8.6 |
Alzheimer's disease | 11 | 6.3 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 11 | 6.3 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 10 | 5.7 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 5.7 |
Diabetes mellitus | < 10 | < 5.7 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 5.7 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 0 | 0 |
Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 14 | 8 |
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