Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a form of dementia that affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. It is one of the most common types of dementia, affecting an estimated 30,000 Americans and is the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. The disease is often misdiagnosed or overlooked as it mimics symptoms of other psychiatric illnesses. FTD is a progressive neurological disorder, meaning it gets worse over time. As the disease progresses, the patient’s abilities and independence decrease, and the person’s needs increase. This article will discuss the final stages of FTD.
Cognitive Impairment
In the early stages of FTD, the patient may experience memory loss and difficulty concentrating or paying attention. As the disease progresses, the patient’s ability to think, reason and make decisions will become impaired. They may experience difficulty understanding instructions, planning ahead and problem solving. At this point, they may become easily confused and disoriented, and may have difficulty communicating. As the disease progresses, the patient’s cognitive abilities will continue to decline.
Behavioral Changes
One of the most noticeable signs of FTD is changes in behavior. Patients may become more impulsive and act without considering the consequences of their actions. They may become more argumentative, defiant and aggressive. They may also become more socially isolated and withdrawn, or become more socially inappropriate and engage in inappropriate laughter or behavior. As the disease progresses, these behaviors will become more frequent and extreme.
Physical Decline
The physical decline associated with FTD is usually gradual but can become more noticeable as the disease progresses. Patients may experience difficulty with balance and coordination, and their mobility may start to decline. They may also become more susceptible to falls and may have difficulty with activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing and bathing. Eventually, the patient may become bedridden and require complete assistance with all activities of daily living.
Communication Issues
As FTD progresses, the patient’s ability to communicate will become impaired. They may become unable to initiate or continue conversations, and may struggle to find the right words or understanding language. They may also experience difficulty with understanding facial expressions and gestures. As the disease progresses, the patient may become completely unable to communicate.
Personality Changes
Patients with FTD often experience significant changes in their personality. They may become more irritable and aggressive, or more apathetic and withdrawn. They may also become more impulsive, disinhibited and socially inappropriate. As the disease progresses, these changes become more pronounced and may become permanent.
Weight Loss
As FTD progresses, the patient may experience significant weight loss. This is often due to a combination of factors, including difficulty with eating, poor appetite, and the effects of the disease on the digestive system. Weight loss can also be caused by changes in the patient’s metabolism as the disease progresses.
Decreased Life Expectancy
Unfortunately, FTD is a progressive and terminal illness. As the disease progresses, the patient’s life expectancy will decrease. Patients with FTD can expect to live 5 to 10 years after diagnosis, although some may live longer. The average life expectancy for FTD patients is 7 years after diagnosis.
Conclusion
Frontotemporal dementia is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. As the disease progresses, the patient’s abilities and independence decline and their needs increase. The final stages of FTD include cognitive impairment, behavioral changes, physical decline, communication issues, personality changes, weight loss, and decreased life expectancy. It is important to remember that FTD is a terminal illness, and the average life expectancy for FTD patients is 7 years after diagnosis.