Green Mountain Times

There were 22 deaths from diseases of the heart reported in Vermont in the week ending July 10, making up 18.5 percent of total deaths by all causes in Vermont, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the week ending July 10, there were 119 deaths in the state. 18.5 percent of deaths were caused by heart disease and 28.6 percent were from cancer Additionally, 9.2 percent 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	Cause of Death	% of Total Deaths
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor)	34	28.6
Heart disease	22	18.5
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis	< 10	< 8.4
Diabetes mellitus	< 10	< 8.4
Alzheimer's disease	< 10	< 8.4
Chronic lower respiratory diseases	< 10	< 8.4
Cerebrovascular diseases	< 10	< 8.4
COVID-19 (multiple cause)	< 10	< 8.4
Influenza and pneumonia	0	0
COVID-19 (underlying cause)	0	0

Cause of Death	Cause of Death	% of Total Deaths
Alzheimer disease and dementia	11	9.2