In the week ending Nov. 12, 2022, there were 558 deaths in the state. 26.7% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 16.1% were from cancer and 3% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 11.8% 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 Nov. 12, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Nov. 12, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Nov. 5, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | 149 | 131 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 90 | 117 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 33 | 26 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 30 | 25 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 28 | 29 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 17 | 22 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 11 | 14 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 10 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | 14 |
Iowa Dementia deaths in week ending Nov. 12, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Nov. 12, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Nov. 5, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 66 | 58 |
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