In the week ending May 15, 2021, there were 471 deaths in the state. 14.2% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 16.1% were from cancer and 35.5% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 5.3% 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.
North Carolina top 10 causes of death in week ending May 15, 2021
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % 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, 2021
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 25 | 5.3 |
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