In the week ending Aug. 20, 2022, there were 1,908 deaths in the state. 17.7% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 19.9% were from cancer and 8.9% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 10.2% 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 Aug. 20, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 20, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 13, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 380 | 379 |
| Heart disease | 337 | 356 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 116 | 114 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 109 | 107 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 88 | 92 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 74 | 65 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 61 | 72 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 49 | 57 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 35 | 35 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | 18 | 22 |
North Carolina Dementia deaths in week ending Aug. 20, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 20, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 13, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 194 | 192 |
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