Ocean State Today

There were 13 deaths from chronic lower respiratory diseases reported in Rhode Island in the week ending July 15, making up 6.9% of total deaths by all causes in Rhode Island, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the week ending July 15, there were 189 deaths in the state. 22.8% of deaths were caused by heart disease and 24.9% were from cancer Additionally, 6.9% 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	Number of Deaths	% of Total Deaths
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor)	47	24.9
Heart disease	43	22.8
Chronic lower respiratory diseases	13	6.9
Cerebrovascular diseases	13	6.9
Influenza and pneumonia	< 10	< 5.3
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis	< 10	< 5.3
Diabetes mellitus	< 10	< 5.3
Alzheimer's disease	< 10	< 5.3
COVID-19 (multiple cause)	< 10	< 5.3
COVID-19 (underlying cause)	0	0

Cause of Death	Number of Deaths	% of Total Deaths
Alzheimer disease and dementia	13	6.9