In the week ending Dec. 24, there were 60 deaths in the state. 23.3% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 25% were from cancer and less than 16.7% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 148.3% 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) | 15 | 25 |
Heart disease | 14 | 23.3 |
Alzheimer's disease | < 10 | < 16.7 |
Chronic lower respiratory diseases | < 10 | < 16.7 |
Cerebrovascular diseases | < 10 | < 16.7 |
COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 16.7 |
COVID-19 (multiple cause) | < 10 | < 16.7 |
Influenza and pneumonia | 0 | 0 |
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 0 | 0 |
Diabetes mellitus | 0 | 0 |
Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer disease and dementia | 89 | 148.3 |