In the week ending Nov. 12, there were 160 deaths in the state. 18.1% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 25% were from cancer and less than 6.3% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 8.1% 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.
South Dakota top 10 causes of death in week ending Nov. 12
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 40 | 25 |
| Heart disease | 29 | 18.1 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 12 | 7.5 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 6.3 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 6.3 |
| Diabetes mellitus | < 10 | < 6.3 |
| Alzheimer's disease | < 10 | < 6.3 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | < 10 | < 6.3 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 6.3 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | < 10 | < 6.3 |
South Dakota Dementia deaths in week ending Nov. 12
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 13 | 8.1 |
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