Stage 4: The Unmistakable Disruption: Moderate Cognitive Decline
Stage four of FTD represents a phase of unmistakable disruption. A time when the cognitive decline cannot be dismissed as a mere byproduct of aging or stress. It’s the point where the subtle shifts transform into concrete changes, unequivocally pointing towards a cognitive disorder. The warning bells are now an alarm, drawing attention to the brewing storm of FTD.
Signs of cognitive decline become more visible at this stage. Tasks requiring critical thinking or decision-making become more challenging. Forgetfulness intensifies, leading to struggles with maintaining schedules or remembering important dates. Simple tasks like shopping for groceries or paying bills might become daunting due to increased forgetfulness or confusion.
Behavioral changes also become prominent. Increased impulsivity, mood swings, apathy, or social withdrawal may become apparent. These shifts often disrupt the person’s social functioning, straining personal relationships or work dynamics. The person may seem increasingly detached from their environment, an echo of their former selves.
Language difficulties might intensify at this stage, with the person frequently grappling with words or struggling to follow conversations. Reading and writing might also become laborious. Expressing thoughts and emotions becomes an uphill task, leading to frustration and further withdrawal. (4)
