Ocean State Today

There were less than 10 deaths from diabetes mellitus reported in Rhode Island in the week ending July 29, making up less than 5.4% of total deaths by all causes in Rhode Island, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the week ending July 29, there were 185 deaths in the state. 17.8% of deaths were caused by heart disease and 19.5% were from cancer Additionally, 14.1% 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)	36	19.5
Heart disease	33	17.8
Alzheimer's disease	12	6.5
Influenza and pneumonia	< 10	< 5.4
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis	< 10	< 5.4
Diabetes mellitus	< 10	< 5.4
Chronic lower respiratory diseases	< 10	< 5.4
Cerebrovascular diseases	< 10	< 5.4
COVID-19 (multiple cause)	< 10	< 5.4
COVID-19 (underlying cause)	0	0

Cause of Death	Number of Deaths	% of Total Deaths
Alzheimer disease and dementia	26	14.1