In the week ending May 21, 2022, there were 2,813 deaths in the state. 21.3% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 21.4% were from cancer and 4.6% were from COVID-19.
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.
California top 10 causes of death in week ending May 21, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending May 21, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending May 14, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 601 | 746 |
| Heart disease | 600 | 778 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 198 | 207 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 177 | 222 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 131 | 146 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 101 | 134 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 78 | 78 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 51 | 57 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 48 | 75 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | 42 | 60 |
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