In the week ending Dec. 24, there were 130 deaths in the state. 16.9% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 18.5% were from cancer and less than 7.7% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 13.8% 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. 24
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 24 | 18.5 |
| Heart disease | 22 | 16.9 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 12 | 9.2 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 11 | 8.5 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 7.7 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 7.7 |
| Diabetes mellitus | < 10 | < 7.7 |
| Alzheimer's disease | < 10 | < 7.7 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 7.7 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | < 10 | < 7.7 |
South Dakota Dementia deaths in week ending Dec. 24
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 18 | 13.8 |
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