There were 13 deaths from chronic lower respiratory diseases reported in Wyoming in the week ending June 26, making up 13.4 percent of total deaths by all causes in Wyoming, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the week ending June 26, there were 97 deaths in the state. 12.4 percent of deaths were caused by heart disease, 19.6 percent were from cancer and less than 10.3 percent 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.
| Cause of Death | Cause of Death | % of Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 19 | 19.6 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 13 | 13.4 |
| Heart disease | 12 | 12.4 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10.3 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | < 10.3 |
| Diabetes mellitus | < 10 | < 10.3 |
| Alzheimer’s disease | < 10 | < 10.3 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | < 10 | < 10.3 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | < 10 | < 10.3 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | < 10 | < 10.3 |
