There were 37 deaths with cancer listed as the underlying cause reported in Rhode Island during the week ending March 12, a 5.7% increase over the previous week, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the week ending March 12, there were 156 deaths in the state. 13.5% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 23.7% were from cancer and less than 6.4% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 10.9% 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.
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending March 12 | Deaths in Week Ending March 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 37 | 35 |
| Heart disease | 21 | 33 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 13 | 17 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 10 |
| Diabetes mellitus | < 10 | < 10 |
| Alzheimer’s disease | < 10 | < 10 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | < 10 | < 10 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 10 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | < 10 | 11 |
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending March 12 | Deaths in Week Ending March 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 17 | 22 |
