FAST Scale Dementia : Stages, Uses & More

By Your Health Magazine

According to a report by the National Library of Medicine, around 6.9 million people aged 65 and above are suffering from dementia across the United States of America. It is estimated that this number could grow to 13.8 million by 2060, excluding all the medical breakthroughs to prevent or cure the disease. To keep track of the progression of the disease, the Functional Assessment Staging Test (FAST) scale is considered one of the most pivotal tools.

With this article, we will find more information on how this tool can help explore the practical application of tracking the stages of dementia. Let’s check out the significance of this tool and see how it redefines dementia care in senior living communities.

Stages of Dementia

The fast scale for dementia tool is a tool developed by Dr. Reisberg to keep track of the stages of dementia. It is also popularly known as the Reisberg Functional Assessment Staging (FAST) tool. This instrument has been in the industry for a long and is mostly used on people who have dementia for less than 6 months.

Here is a stage-by-stage explanation of how the disease progresses, with a brief explanation of the cognitive decline in dementia:

Stage	Name	Progression
Stage 1	No Cognitive Decline	Normal functioning with no noticeable memory issues or cognitive impairments.
Stage 2	Very Mild Decline	Subtle memory lapses, such as forgetting names or misplacing objects, but still functional.
Stage 3	Mild Cognitive Decline	Noticeable memory issues, difficulty with complex tasks, or increased forgetfulness; early signs of dementia.
Stage 4	Moderate Cognitive Decline	Trouble managing finances, remembering recent events, or social withdrawal; often diagnosed here.
Stage 5	Moderately Severe Decline	Requires assistance with daily tasks, forgets personal details like address or phone number.
Stage 6	Severe Cognitive Decline	Needs help with basic activities (dressing, bathing), may have personality changes, or confusion.
Stage 7	Very Severe Decline	Loss of speech, motor skills, and ability to care for oneself; requires full-time care.

How is the FAST Scale Dementia Tool Useful?

Most healthcare professionals use the dementia fast scale tool to get insights into the progression of dementia at different stages. They mostly use it for:

Planning the Right Care:

At each stage of dementia specialised care is required to plan the best caregiving plan according to the patient’s requirements. It enables professionals to analyze the stage of dementia is the best possible way.

Getting Hand On Right Resources:

With the help of FAST scale tool professionals can make informed decisions regarding finding the best care services. You can your loved one navigate their way through this condition seamlessly.

Emotional Support:

Caregivers can get full information on when the right time is to start getting seriously concerned for their loved ones. They will be able to provide more emotional support after understanding the severity of the disease.

Preparing for Future Needs:

As the condition progresses there are plenty more things that cargeivers need to be aware of and prepare everything for the future. Once they will be aware about it, decisions could be made according to the stage they are going through.

How Can You Use the FAST Scale Tool?

Here are a few things that you should consider while using the dementia fast scale tool:

1. Understand the Seven Stages

The FAST scale is divided into seven stages, from normal functioning (Stage 1) to severe end-stage dementia (Stage 7). Familiarizing yourself with these stages helps identify where a patient falls on the spectrum and plan appropriate care.

2. Assess Cognitive and Functional Abilities

The FAST tool evaluates two key aspects:

Cognitive Abilities: These include memory, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Functional Abilities: Focuses on the ability to perform daily activities, such as dressing, eating, and bathing.

By observing the patient’s behavior and abilities, you can identify the stage they are currently in.

3. Identify Key Milestones

Each stage of the FAST scale highlights critical milestones in the progression of dementia. These milestones guide caregivers in adapting their care strategies to meet the patient’s needs.

4. Track Progression Over Time

Regularly using the FAST scale allows you to monitor the patient’s decline over time. This helps anticipate changes, adjust care plans, and prepare for the challenges ahead.

What FAST Score is Required for Hospice Admission?

The FAST scale has seven stages and each stage is further divided into sub-stages according to the decline in cognitive and physical abilities. The fast score dementia for hospice eligibility is most commonly associated with Stage 7, particularly sub-stages 7C and beyond.

Stage 7C or Higher: This stage indicates that the patient has lost the ability to speak more than six words during a day. They may also require extensive assistance with basic activities like eating and dressing.
Additional Decline Indicators: In addition to a FAST score of 7C or higher, other indicators include:

Inability to walk without assistance (Stage 7D).
Inability to sit upright without support (Stage 7E).
Loss of the ability to smile (Stage 7F).

Key Takeaway

A dementia fast scale tool is one of the most valuable tool that is used for personalised care for people who are suffering from dementia. With the help of structured approach and understanding the progression of dementia healthcare providers and caregivers can ensure that effective care is provided to them. Always remember that caring for people with dementia is a shared journey, so make sure to make wise decisions.