In the week ending March 26, 2022, there were 558 deaths in the state. 26.2% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 18.1% were from cancer and 10.4% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 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.
Oklahoma top 10 causes of death in week ending March 26, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending March 26, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending March 19, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | 146 | 162 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 101 | 110 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 47 | 45 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 35 | 34 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 24 | 25 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 23 | 24 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 19 | 20 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 17 | 26 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | 10 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 10 |
Oklahoma Dementia deaths in week ending March 26, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending March 26, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending March 19, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 39 | 45 |
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