Cornhusker State News

There were less than 10 deaths with COVID-19 listed as a contributing cause reported in Nebraska in the week ending July 22, making up less than 2.9% of total deaths by all causes in Nebraska, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the week ending July 22, there were 343 deaths in the state. 23.3% of deaths were caused by heart disease and 20.7% were from cancer Additionally, 9% 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
Heart disease	80	23.3
Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor)	71	20.7
Chronic lower respiratory diseases	24	7
Cerebrovascular diseases	22	6.4
Alzheimer's disease	11	3.2
Influenza and pneumonia	< 10	< 2.9
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis	< 10	< 2.9
Diabetes mellitus	< 10	< 2.9
COVID-19 (multiple cause)	< 10	< 2.9
COVID-19 (underlying cause)	0	0

Cause of Death	Number of Deaths	% of Total Deaths
Alzheimer disease and dementia	31	9