There were 17 deaths from chronic lower respiratory diseases reported in Idaho in the week ending Nov. 12, making up 4.9% of total deaths by all causes in Idaho, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the week ending Nov. 12, there were 345 deaths in the state. 18.6% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 21.4% were from cancer and less than 2.9% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 9.9% 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.
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 74 | 21.4 |
| Heart disease | 64 | 18.6 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 21 | 6.1 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 17 | 4.9 |
| Alzheimer’s disease | 15 | 4.3 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 2.9 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 2.9 |
| Diabetes mellitus | < 10 | < 2.9 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 2.9 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | < 10 | < 2.9 |
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 34 | 9.9 |
