There were less than 10 deaths from chronic lower respiratory diseases reported in Hawaii in the week ending Nov. 5, making up less than 3.9% of total deaths by all causes in Hawaii, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the week ending Nov. 5, there were 259 deaths in the state. 16.6% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 21.6% were from cancer and less than 3.9% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 11.6% 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) | 56 | 21.6 |
| Heart disease | 43 | 16.6 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 19 | 7.3 |
| Alzheimer’s disease | 16 | 6.2 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 10 | 3.9 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 3.9 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 3.9 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | < 10 | < 3.9 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 3.9 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | < 10 | < 3.9 |
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 30 | 11.6 |
