In the week ending Dec. 10, 2022, there were 341 deaths in the state. 19.4% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 17.6% were from cancer and 2.9% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 11.1% 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.
Idaho top 10 causes of death in week ending Dec. 10, 2022
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | 66 | 19.4 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 60 | 17.6 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 22 | 6.5 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 21 | 6.2 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 16 | 4.7 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 12 | 3.5 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | 11 | 3.2 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 10 | 2.9 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 2.9 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 2.9 |
Idaho Dementia deaths in week ending Dec. 10, 2022
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 38 | 11.1 |
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