Excess deaths from all causes, involving and with dementia as the underlying cause: Scotland 2020-2022

Dementia is the most common pre-existing medical condition in deaths involving COVID-19

Of all deaths involving COVID-19 between 1 March 2020 and 31 March 2022, 93% had some pre-existing medical condition. Pre-existing conditions are defined as a health condition mentioned on the death certificate which either came before COVID-19 or was an independent contributory factor in the death.

Dementia is the most common pre-existing medical condition in deaths involving COVID-19. 23% (3,197) of all deaths involving COVID-19 also have dementia mentioned on the death certificate. The second most common pre-existing medical condition in deaths involving COVID-19 is ischaemic heart diseases (14%, 1,912) and the third most common is chronic lower respiratory diseases (12%, 1,683).

The oldest age groups have been most affected by COVID-19, with NRS reporting that more than three quarters of deaths involving COVID-19 were amongst those aged 75 and over^[1]. With age being the greatest risk factor for dementia, this is a condition that is more prevalent among older age groups ^[2]. Since both dementia and COVID-19 disproportionately affect older people, the involvement of dementia in some COVID-19 deaths would be expected.