In the week ending March 26, 2022, there were 738 deaths in the state. 15.4% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 24.1% were from cancer and 8.3% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 9.5% 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.
North Carolina top 10 causes of death in week ending March 26, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending March 26, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending March 19, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 178 | 186 |
| Heart disease | 114 | 144 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 51 | 63 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 44 | 35 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 39 | 76 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 32 | 54 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 22 | 49 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 16 | < 10 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 11 | < 10 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
North Carolina Dementia deaths in week ending March 26, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending March 26, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending March 19, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 70 | 115 |
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