In the week ending Aug. 6, 2022, there were 518 deaths in the state. 23.7% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 21.2% were from cancer and 10.2% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 9.7% 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 Aug. 6, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 6, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending July 30, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | 123 | 134 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 110 | 107 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 36 | 23 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 31 | 32 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 22 | 18 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 22 | 25 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 22 | 23 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 15 | 11 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 12 | 10 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
Iowa Dementia deaths in week ending Aug. 6, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Aug. 6, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending July 30, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 50 | 45 |
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