There were less than 10 deaths from chronic lower respiratory diseases reported in Hawaii in the week ending Dec. 17, making up less than 4.7% of total deaths by all causes in Hawaii, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the week ending Dec. 17, there were 214 deaths in the state. 20.1% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 22% were from cancer and less than 4.7% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 12.6% 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 | 22 |
| Heart disease | 43 | 20.1 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 13 | 6.1 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 4.7 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 4.7 |
| Diabetes mellitus | < 10 | < 4.7 |
| Alzheimer’s disease | < 10 | < 4.7 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | < 10 | < 4.7 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 4.7 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | < 10 | < 4.7 |
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 27 | 12.6 |
