In the week ending Dec. 17, there were 147 deaths in the state. 26.5% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 20.4% were from cancer and less than 6.8% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 10.9% 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 Dec. 17
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | 39 | 26.5 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 30 | 20.4 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 6.8 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 6.8 |
| Diabetes mellitus | < 10 | < 6.8 |
| Alzheimer's disease | < 10 | < 6.8 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | < 10 | < 6.8 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | < 10 | < 6.8 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 6.8 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | < 10 | < 6.8 |
South Dakota Dementia deaths in week ending Dec. 17
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 16 | 10.9 |
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