In the week ending May 28, 2022, there were 1,215 deaths in the state. 21.8% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 22.7% were from cancer and 6.3% were from COVID-19.
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.
Virginia top 10 causes of death in week ending May 28, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending May 28, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending May 21, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 276 | 250 |
| Heart disease | 265 | 278 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 59 | 64 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 48 | 50 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 44 | 23 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 41 | 26 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 35 | 40 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 32 | 16 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | 26 | 36 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | 10 | 25 |
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