In the week ending Oct. 15, 2022, there were 792 deaths in the state. 25.1% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 19.2% were from cancer and 6.4% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 10.2% 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 Oct. 15, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 15, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 8, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | 199 | 165 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 152 | 163 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 44 | 62 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 34 | 28 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 34 | 38 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 32 | 27 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 26 | 24 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 17 | 20 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 11 | < 10 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
Oklahoma Dementia deaths in week ending Oct. 15, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 15, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending Oct. 8, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 81 | 72 |
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