There were less than 10 deaths from influenza and pneumonia reported in Rhode Island in the week ending June 17, making up less than 4.8% of total deaths by all causes in Rhode Island, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the week ending June 17, there were 207 deaths in the state. 23.2% of deaths were caused by heart disease and 20.8% were from cancer Additionally, 12.6% 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 | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | 48 | 23.2 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 43 | 20.8 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 4.8 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 4.8 |
| Diabetes mellitus | < 10 | < 4.8 |
| Alzheimer’s disease | < 10 | < 4.8 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | < 10 | < 4.8 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | < 10 | < 4.8 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 0 | 0 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 0 | 0 |
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 26 | 12.6 |
