Stage 5: The Crucible of Change: Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline
The fifth stage of FTD marks a crucial juncture in the disease’s progression. It’s a crucible of change, where the cognitive decline impacts daily functioning significantly. It’s the stage where the shadow of FTD looms larger, casting an undeniable impact on the person’s life.
Cognitive changes become severe, with forgetfulness extending to familiar aspects of life. The person may start to forget familiar routes, phone numbers, or even the names of close friends and family. Problem-solving and decision-making become more difficult, impairing the ability to perform tasks independently.
Language abilities may deteriorate further. Conversations become more strained, with the person struggling to understand and respond effectively. Reading, writing, and other language-dependent tasks may pose significant challenges, increasing the person’s reliance on others for communication.
Behavioral changes intensify during this stage, with increased impulsivity, apathy, or inappropriate behaviors. These shifts can disrupt the person’s social interactions, creating a potential for conflict or misunderstanding within their social circles.(5)
