In the week ending Aug. 13, 2022, there were 1,950 deaths in the state. 18.1% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 19.2% were from cancer and 9.1% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 9.7% 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 Aug. 13, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 13, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 6, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 375 | 338 |
| Heart disease | 353 | 346 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 113 | 128 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 106 | 110 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 91 | 93 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 72 | 72 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 65 | 91 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 57 | 59 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 34 | 31 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | 22 | 24 |
North Carolina Dementia deaths in week ending Aug. 13, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 13, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 6, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 190 | 195 |
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