In the week ending June 4, 2022, there were 4,522 deaths in the state. 21.8% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 21.2% were from cancer and 5.1% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 11.9% 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 June 4, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending May 28, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Heart disease | 987 | 998 |
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 959 | 1,031 |
Alzheimer's disease | 333 | 333 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | 302 | 270 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 170 | 203 |
Diabetes mellitus | 157 | 168 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 131 | 144 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 98 | 111 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 89 | 88 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 73 | 75 |
Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending June 4, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending May 28, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 537 | 559 |