There were less than 10 deaths with chronic lower respiratory disease listed as the underlying cause reported in Alaska during the week ending May 15, 2021, an increase over the previous week, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the week ending May 15, 2021, there were 16 deaths in the state. Less than 62.5% of deaths were caused by heart disease, less than 62.5% were from cancer and less than 62.5% were from COVID-19.
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.
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending May 15, 2021 | Deaths in Week Ending May 8, 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 10 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | < 10 | 0 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 10 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | < 10 | < 10 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | < 10 | < 10 |
| Heart disease | < 10 | < 10 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | 0 | 0 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 0 | < 10 |
| Alzheimer’s disease | 0 | < 10 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 0 | < 10 |
