There were less than 10 deaths with COVID-19 listed as the underlying cause reported in Alaska in the week ending May 8, 2021, making up less than 27% of total deaths by all causes in Alaska, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the week ending May 8, 2021, there were 37 deaths in the state. Less than 27% of deaths were caused by heart disease, less than 27% were from cancer and less than 27% 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 | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 27 |
| Diabetes mellitus | < 10 | < 27 |
| Alzheimer’s disease | < 10 | < 27 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | < 10 | < 27 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 27 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | < 10 | < 27 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | < 10 | < 27 |
| Heart disease | < 10 | < 27 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | 0 | 0 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 0 | 0 |
