In the week ending Dec. 10, 2022, there were 366 deaths in the state. 21% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 17.5% were from cancer and less than 2.7% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 11.2% 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.
Maine top 10 causes of death in week ending Dec. 10, 2022
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | 77 | 21 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 64 | 17.5 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 20 | 5.5 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 16 | 4.4 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 14 | 3.8 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 12 | 3.3 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | 11 | 3 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 11 | 3 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 2.7 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | < 10 | < 2.7 |
Maine Dementia deaths in week ending Dec. 10, 2022
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 41 | 11.2 |
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