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What Is the Fast Scale for Dementia?

What is the FAST Dementia Rating Scale?

Understanding the Fast Score for Dementia

Stages of the FAST Dementia Scale

Duration of Each Stage

Diagnosis Stage Signs and Symptoms Expected Duration of Stage
No Dementia Stage 1: No Cognitive Decline
  • Normal Abilities
  • No memory problems
  • Individuals without dementia fall into this stage
N/A
No Dementia Stage 2: Very Mild Cognitive Decline
  • Occasional forgetfulness of names
  • Misplacing familiar items
  • Symptoms not noticeable to family or doctors
Unknown
No Dementia Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Decline
  • Noticeable increase in forgetfulness
  • Slight trouble focusing
  • Decline in work performance
  • Getting lost more often
  • Struggling to find the right words
  • Observed by close ones
Typically lasts between 2 and 7 years
Early-stage Stage 4: Moderate Cognitive Decline
  • Concentration issues
  • Forgetting recent events
  • Inability to manage finances
  • Inability to travel alone to unfamiliar places
  • Struggles with task completion
  • Denial of symptoms
  • Withdrawal from social interactions
  • Cognitive issues detectable by doctors
Generally lasts about 2 years
Mid-Stage Stage 5: Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline
  • Significant memory gaps
  • Requires help with daily activities like dressing and bathing
  • Forgets personal details such as address or phone number
  • Disorientation regarding time and place
Typically lasts around 1.5 years
Mid-Stage Stage 6: Severe Cognitive Decline (Middle Dementia)
  • Needs assistance with daily activities
  • Forgets names of close family members
  • Unable to recall recent events
  • Cannot remember significant past events
  • Difficulty counting down from 10
  • Bladder control issues
  • Trouble speaking
  • Changes in personality and emotions
  • Experiences delusions, compulsions, and anxiety
Generally lasts about 2.5 years
Late-Stage Stage 7: Very Severe Cognitive Decline (Late Dementia)
  • Unable to speak or communicate
  • Requires assistance with most activities
  • Loss of motor skills
  • Unable to walk
Typically lasts between 1.5 and 2.5 years

The FAST Scale: Hospice Care Criteria

Utilization of the FAST Score in Hospice Care

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Faqs

What is the FAST Scale, and how it is used in assessing dementia?

What are the different stages of the FAST Scale, and what do they imply?

How is the FAST Scale different from other scales used to assess dementia, like the MMSE or CDR?

Who is qualified to administer the FAST Scale, and do they need any special training?

How can the FAST Scale be helpful for families caring for a loved one with dementia?

What support does Melodia Care Hospice offer for families?