In the week ending May 15, there were 471 deaths in the state. 14.2 percent of deaths were caused by heart disease, 16.1 percent were from cancer and 35.5 percent were from COVID-19. Additionally, 5.3 percent 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.
North Carolina top 10 causes of death in week ending May 15
| Cause of Death | Cause of Death | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 87 | 18.5 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 80 | 17 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 76 | 16.1 |
| Heart disease | 67 | 14.2 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 15 | 3.2 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 15 | 3.2 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 12 | 2.5 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 11 | 2.3 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 2.1 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 2.1 |
North Carolina Dementia deaths in week ending May 15
| Cause of Death | Cause of Death | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 25 | 5.3 |
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