In the week ending Nov. 12, 2022, there were 1,567 deaths in the state. 20.9% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 16.1% were from cancer and 6.1% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 8.9% 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.
Tennessee 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 | 327 | 355 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 253 | 301 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 97 | 80 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 89 | 98 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 61 | 61 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 55 | 41 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 49 | 44 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 35 | 36 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | 34 | 37 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 24 | 20 |
Tennessee 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 | 140 | 130 |
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