FAST Scale for Alzheimer's Dementia
Functional Assessment Staging Test (FAST) — tracks functional decline in Alzheimer's disease from normal to severe. Used in care planning and prognostication.
Score interpretation
Stage 1–2. Normal functional status or subjective memory complaints only.
→ Reassure. Monitor annually. Encourage cognitive and physical activity.
Stage 3–4. Functional limitations becoming evident.
→ Memory clinic referral. Cognitive support. Power of attorney while capacity intact. Driving review.
Stage 5–6. Requires substantial help with ADLs.
→ Carer support. Social care assessment. Consider residential care if carer burden unsustainable. DOLS assessment if care home placement needed.
Stage 7. Severe functional decline — typically 1–2 years from end of life.
→ Advance care planning. Comfort measures. Palliative care involvement. DNAR decision. Feeding assessment (PEG rarely indicated at this stage).
Interpretation bands for the FAST Scale. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Reisberg B. Functional assessment staging (FAST). Psychopharmacol Bull. 1988;24(4):653-659.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Donepezil · Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI) — dementia
- Memantine · NMDA receptor antagonist — dementia
- Rivastigmine · Dual AChEI and BuChEI inhibitor — dementia
- Quetiapine (Elderly — Dementia Caution) · Atypical Antipsychotic
- Memantine · NMDA Receptor Antagonist — Dementia
- Rivastigmine · Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor — Dementia
- Sepsis Screening and Sepsis Six · UK Sepsis Trust; NICE NG51; Surviving Sepsis Campaign 2021
- Unintentional Weight Loss Workup · NICE NG12; BSG
- Chronic Fatigue Workup · NICE NG206; BMJ Best Practice
- Lymphadenopathy Workup · NICE NG12; BMJ Best Practice
- Pre-op Medical Clearance · NICE NG45; ESC 2022
- Secondary Hypertension Workup · NICE NG136; ESH 2023
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.