Dementia is a disorder that progresses with time, leading to a decline in cognitive function, which includes issues with remembering events, affecting reasoning, logical reasoning, etc. Most believe that dementia is a normal part of aging, but in reality, it is not true.
Patients need to go through proper investigation to manage the condition and lead a healthy life. As the condition is progressive it takes place in stages moving from mild to severe. The diagnosis and treatment is quite simple. By using the FAST scale dementia tool, the severity of the condition is judged which allows the doctors to treat the condition in a better way.
Let’s walk through what exactly FAST scale dementia, the tools used to determine the condition, and more.
Fast Scale Dementia: What is It?
The Functional Assessment Staging Tool aka FAST scale is a method that is mostly used to determine to assess the state of dementia in patients. This helps in thorough and effective evaluation of the cognitive abilities and helps in determining the decline over the period of time. It helps caregivers, doctors and family members in monitoring the capabilities of the patient.
Developed by Reisberg in 1982, one can effectively define the rate of all types of dementia. There are seven stages at which dementia is measured:
- Functional Impairment
- Functional Changes
- Mild Functional Decline
- Moderate Functional Losses
- Moderately Severe Loss of Function
- Severely Reduced Functional Capacity
- Total Dependence
FAST Score Dementia Stages
The progression of dementia is based on the person’s ability to perform tasks and do activities. There are seven stages at which dementia progresses. The higher stages indicate major impairment.
Here is a proper breakdown of the FAST tool for dementia staging:
Stage 1:
Patients under this stage are healthy adults who suffer from normal mental issues.
Stage 2:
It is considered “normal-aged forgetfulness,” and usually, patients under this stage suffer from memory lapses, struggling to choose the right words and focus.
Stage 3:
The ability to concentrate is hampered, and along with this, the individual might find it challenging to perform complex tasks.
Stage 4:
Most individuals are diagnosed with dementia at this stage. Visible issues include cognitive impairment and inability to handle tasks like preparing meals or answering calls. According to the FAST scale, dementia is the beginning of dementia.
Stage 5:
When the patient reaches this stage, they lose the ability to live their life independently. Confusion, wandering off, and hallucinations are some of the problematic behaviors that one can see in patients. A person may be on the lookout for full-time assistance at this point in time.
Stage6:
This is considered the late stage of dementia, where the affected can become quite dependable on caregivers. They may require full-time assistance as well.
Stage7:
Last stage of this cognitive disease is where physical activity and communication becomes nearly impossible. The body starts to shut down which may eventually result in passing away of the individual.
How can the FAST Scale for Dementia Be Helpful?
The FAST (Functional Assessment Staging Tool) scale is a valuable tool for assessing the progression of dementia, specifically Alzheimer’s disease. It helps healthcare professionals, caregivers, and families understand a person’s functional abilities and care needs as dementia progresses through various stages. By using the FAST scale, families and care teams can make more informed decisions about care plans, ensuring the individual’s safety and quality of life. For senior living facilities, this scale guides the level of care and support services required, improving both resident well-being and resource allocation.
Other Diagnostic Dementia Tools
Apart from dementia FAST scale, there are other tools that can help assess the progression of dementia. Here are a few of them:
- CDR: Clinical Dementia Rating Scale
- GDS: Global Deterioration Scale
Both GDS and CDR mainly focus on cognitive decline and are reliable as well. They are reliable and also help assess progression. But FAST dives in deeper and provides a detailed description.
What Is FAST Score Needed for Senior Living Community Admission?
Senior living communities often use the FAST scale to determine the level of care a resident will need, helping to ensure an appropriate environment for new residents. Admission requirements vary, but typically, communities for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia look for scores of 5 and above on the FAST scale, indicating a need for more structured, supportive care. By aligning FAST scores with admission criteria, these communities can tailor services to meet residents’ unique needs while maintaining a safe, supportive environment.
Key Takeaway
The FAST (Functional Assessment Staging) scale is a crucial tool for understanding and managing dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. By providing a clear framework for assessing cognitive decline, it empowers healthcare providers, caregivers, and families to make informed decisions about care plans and support.
As dementia progresses through different stages, the fast dementia scale helps identify the level of care required, ensuring the individual’s well-being and quality of life. Whether it’s in-home care, assisted living, or memory care, the FAST scale plays a vital role in matching individuals with the appropriate level of support and care.
