In the week ending Aug. 27, 2022, there were 5,133 deaths in the state. 18.4% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 21.8% were from cancer and 7.6% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 10.6% 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. 27, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 27, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 20, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | 946 | 1,083 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 302 | 305 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 287 | 344 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 232 | 286 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 206 | 202 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 200 | 220 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 157 | 192 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 81 | 84 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | 72 | 61 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 1,119 | 1,193 |
California Dementia deaths in week ending Aug. 27, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 27, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 20, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 544 | 546 |
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