There were less than 10 deaths from cancer reported in South Dakota in the week ending April 30, making up less than 32.3% of total deaths by all causes in South Dakota, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the week ending April 30, there were 31 deaths in the state. 32.3% of deaths were caused by heart disease, less than 32.3% were from cancer and less than 32.3% were from COVID-19.
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.
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | 10 | 32.3 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 32.3 |
| Diabetes mellitus | < 10 | < 32.3 |
| Alzheimer’s disease | < 10 | < 32.3 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | < 10 | < 32.3 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 32.3 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | < 10 | < 32.3 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | < 10 | < 32.3 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | 0 | 0 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 0 | 0 |
