In the week ending May 15, 2021, there were 445 deaths in the state. 14.2% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 15.5% were from cancer and 35.3% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 5.2% 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 | Deaths in Week Ending May 15, 2021 | Deaths in Week Ending May 8, 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 82 | 87 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 75 | 81 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 69 | 73 |
| Heart disease | 63 | 49 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 15 | < 10 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 14 | 15 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 11 | < 10 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 10 | 20 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 10 |
North Carolina Dementia deaths in week ending May 15, 2021
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending May 15, 2021 | Deaths in Week Ending May 8, 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 23 | 28 |
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