In the week ending Aug. 27, 2022, there were 1,217 deaths in the state. 19.6% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 19.3% were from cancer and 3.6% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 9.3% 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.
Arizona top 10 causes of death in week ending Aug. 27, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 27, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 20, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | 238 | 252 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 235 | 255 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 65 | 64 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 64 | 48 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 47 | 52 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 36 | 45 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 28 | 41 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 16 | 23 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 15 | 15 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | 12 | 17 |
Arizona Dementia deaths in week ending Aug. 27, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 27, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 20, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 113 | 122 |
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