In the week ending Dec. 10, 2022, there were 517 deaths in the state. 24.4% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 22.2% were from cancer and 6% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 14.5% 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.
Louisiana top 10 causes of death in week ending Dec. 10, 2022
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | 126 | 24.4 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 115 | 22.2 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 39 | 7.5 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 32 | 6.2 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 31 | 6 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 18 | 3.5 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 13 | 2.5 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 13 | 2.5 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 10 | 1.9 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 1.9 |
Louisiana Dementia deaths in week ending Dec. 10, 2022
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 75 | 14.5 |
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