In the week ending May 15, 2021, there were 157 deaths in the state. 15.3% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 19.1% were from cancer and less than 6.4% 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.
South Dakota top 10 causes of death in week ending May 15, 2021
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending May 15, 2021 | Deaths in Week Ending May 8, 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 30 | 28 |
| Heart disease | 24 | 39 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 11 | 10 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 10 | < 10 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 10 |
| Diabetes mellitus | < 10 | < 10 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | < 10 | < 10 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 10 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | < 10 | < 10 |
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