In the week ending Aug. 13, 2022, there were 5,439 deaths in the state. 20.4% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 20.8% were from cancer and 9.7% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 9.4% 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.
California top 10 causes of death in week ending Aug. 13, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 13, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 6, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 305 | 375 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 296 | 332 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 285 | 297 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 220 | 267 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 196 | 201 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 191 | 189 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 85 | 106 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | 72 | 67 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 1,132 | 1,130 |
| Heart disease | 1,108 | 1,133 |
California Dementia deaths in week ending Aug. 13, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 13, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 6, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 509 | 541 |
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