There were less than 10 deaths with COVID-19 listed as a contributing cause reported in South Dakota in the week ending July 23, making up less than 33.3% of total deaths by all causes in South Dakota, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the week ending July 23, there were 30 deaths in the state. Less than 33.3% of deaths were caused by heart disease and 40% were from cancer
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 12 | 40 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 33.3 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 33.3 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | < 10 | < 33.3 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | < 10 | < 33.3 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | < 10 | < 33.3 |
| Heart disease | < 10 | < 33.3 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 0 | 0 |
| Alzheimer’s disease | 0 | 0 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 0 | 0 |
