In the week ending May 29, 2021, there were 562 deaths in the state. 22.4% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 23.8% were from cancer and 7.5% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 8.5% 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.
Iowa top 10 causes of death in week ending May 29, 2021
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending May 29, 2021 | Deaths in Week Ending May 22, 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 134 | 105 |
| Heart disease | 126 | 108 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 25 | 22 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 25 | 26 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 22 | 18 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 20 | 13 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 18 | 28 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 17 | 21 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 10 |
Iowa Dementia deaths in week ending May 29, 2021
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending May 29, 2021 | Deaths in Week Ending May 22, 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 48 | 54 |
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