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My husband was officially diagnosed in January 2024 with vascular dementia following 2 CT’s and a lengthy evaluation. I read it is one of the more aggressive forms of dementia with an average life expectancy of 5 years. I’m planning for future care, because I know what’s coming, but understand Medicaid in Georgia has a 5 year look back period. With that lengthy look back, I’m not sure I should even consider Medicaid as an future option in my plan.

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Your doctor is the best guesser here and will likely not do so. First of all the doc knows the whole person as well as the depth and breadth of the diagnosis and prognosis. You can read generalizations online but they are just that.
There is no way to predict this.
You are going to need Medicaid as this isn't doable or affordable in the home.
So you need to keep meticulous records now.
I would consult an elder law attorney about possible division of finances as this could eat into money you will need for your own future.
Buy and hour of time with an elder law attorney. Take with you what you know of all your finances, amounts and where they are (for instance "this in housing", "this in accounts, " this in CDs, in stocks and etc.
You need careful guidance now in so far as possible, but these things are unpredictable. He could have a massive stroke and death tomorrow or he could go on many years past 5, and you will NOT be doing home care during that.

I am so very sorry about this dire diagnosis. Go online and learn all you are able. Enlist all the help you can find.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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datanp97 Nov 14, 2024
Appreciate the sound advice. Living in GA, there is, unfortunately, no division of assets. (Only Medicaid divorce.) My husband and I…..we are as one.
My elder law attorney recommended placing assets into Medicaid compliant Trusts, but if there is less than a 5 year life expectancy and a 5 year look back, Trust’s don’t seem appropriate. Then again…. I just might be the one who has the stroke !!
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My late husband was diagnosed with vascular dementia in July 2018, but was showing signs a good year prior, and died Sept. 2020.
I was blessed to be able to keep him at home the entire time, even though it was quite difficult at times and even after he became completely bedridden for the last 22 months of his life and was under hospice care.
And because I was able to keep him at home, and because he went fairly quickly, I didn't have to worry about any trusts or Medicaid or the like.
So because vascular dementia is the most aggressive of all the dementias, with a life expectancy of just 5 years, I would say to get your legal ducks in a row now(and that will look different for everyone)and just enjoy whatever time you may have left with your husband.
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Reply to funkygrandma59
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Vascular dementia is not one type of dementia but rather and umbrella that includes subcortical vascular dementia, stroke related dementia, multi infarct dementia and mixed dementias (https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/types-of-vascular-dementia) - timelines and symptoms are going to depend on the exact causes and how well they are being treated as well as the exact area of the brain damaged. Co-morbidities are also going to play a significant factor.
We can read and plan all we want but bottom line is no two people are alike, my advice is to have a plan for the worst case scenario and then take each day as it comes. It may help if you establish a firm boundary on what you are and are not willing to do so it will be clear in your own mind when you have reached your limits.
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Reply to cwillie
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One reason why those with vascular disease may not live as long as other type of dementias is that other serious conditions are likely to contribute to their developing VD. From the web: "A person who has had a stroke, or who has diabetes or heart disease, is around twice as likely to develop vascular dementia as someone who has not had these conditions." My mother has been showing signs of vascular cognitive decline for some years, and a CT scan shows significant small vessel damage. However, she has lived a healthy lifestyle, does not have diabetes, or high blood pressure, and is now 93 years old. I thought other health problems were going to take her three years ago, but she is now healthier than she was then.
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Reply to Learn2Cope
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My mother lived for 6 years with vascular dementia and died at 95 in 2022 with congestive heart failure.
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Reply to lealonnie1
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Plan on 15 to 20 years. Many people will still die from other diseases. MIL was 15 years from family knowledge. My mom was 11 years
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Reply to MACinCT
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datanp97: Pose your question to his neurologist.
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Reply to Llamalover47
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datanp97 10 hours ago
He will not commit to any timeline because every case is unique.
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I’m so sorry you’re going through this.

My mother has vascular dementia for sure and possibly combo-ed with Alzheimers. Came on about 8.5 years ago and the last 4 she’s needed increasing care. She’s had strokes and seizures but keeps on going, including sailing past guesses that she has less than a few months left. I don’t know if she could have a final seizure tonight, or will live another 10 years.

For this reason I suggest planning for the long haul just in case….it’s really out of our hands.

Truly wishing you the best!!
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Reply to Madisoncuckoo7
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My mom was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia 10 years ago but we think she probably had it a couple years before that. She's now 97 and lives in Independent Living Facility. She was always very athletically active her whole life, skiing, dancing, hiking, bowling, golfing etc. I think this has contributed to her longevity more than anything and is something to consider as well. We are just now thinking of moving her to memory care as she is having trouble remembering where her apartment is, why she's on the elevator etc. I have done her bills, housework, laundry, dr appts etc for quite a few years now while she lived in her home alone.

Plan for the long haul, no doubt. You just never know.
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