Stage 6: The Surrender: Severe Cognitive Decline
Stage six of FTD ushers in a phase of severe cognitive decline, signaling the disorder’s advanced stage. The cognitive and behavioral changes are profound, significantly impacting the person’s daily life and autonomy. The disease’s relentless progression continues, steering the individual towards an inevitable surrender to its overpowering influence.
Cognitive deficits become more pronounced at this stage, disrupting even the most basic tasks. Memory impairments intensify to a point where they may not recall significant life events or recognize familiar faces. The terrain of their mind becomes increasingly unfamiliar, and navigating it becomes a daunting endeavor.
Behavioral symptoms escalate during this stage, with the person possibly exhibiting inappropriate or unpredictable behaviors. Changes in personality may be stark, with previous traits replaced by apathy, impulsivity, or heightened emotional reactions. The person’s social world contracts as these changes strain relationships and interactions.(6)
