There were less than 10 deaths from chronic lower respiratory diseases reported in Vermont in the week ending Nov. 5, making up less than 6.5% of total deaths by all causes in Vermont, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the week ending Nov. 5, there were 153 deaths in the state. 24.2% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 17.6% were from cancer and less than 6.5% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 8.5% 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 | 37 | 24.2 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 27 | 17.6 |
| Diabetes mellitus | < 10 | < 6.5 |
| Alzheimer’s disease | < 10 | < 6.5 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | < 10 | < 6.5 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | < 10 | < 6.5 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 6.5 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | < 10 | < 6.5 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | 0 | 0 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 0 | 0 |
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 13 | 8.5 |
