FAST Scale for Alzheimer Dementia
Functional Assessment Staging Test (FAST). Stages functional decline in Alzheimer disease from normal ageing (Stage 1) to severe dementia (Stage 7). Used in palliative care to determine hospice eligibility.
Score interpretation
→ FAST 4–5: Mild-moderate Alzheimer dementia. Cholinesterase inhibitor (donepezil, rivastigmine); memantine if moderate. Formal carer assessment; lasting power of attorney; advance care planning.
→ FAST 6: Moderately severe dementia. Personal care assistance required. Review all medications; consider antipsychotics only for severe behavioural disturbance (caution). Family support; safety assessment at home.
→ FAST 7a–7f: Severe/end-stage Alzheimer dementia. Hospice/palliative care referral appropriate (Stage 7c+ typically meets hospice criteria). Focus on comfort; oral care; pressure care; dysphagia management; avoid unnecessary hospitalisations.
Interpretation bands for the FAST Scale. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
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
- Acute Stroke / TIA Assessment · NICE NG128; RCP Stroke Guidelines 2023
- Status Epilepticus (Adults) · NICE CG137; ESEM guidelines; RCP Neurology Guidelines
- Suspected Subarachnoid Haemorrhage · NICE NG228; RCEM 2023; AHA/ASA 2023
- Adult Head Injury · NICE NG232 (2023)
- Bell's Palsy / Facial Nerve Palsy · ENT UK 2017; AAN
- Vertigo Workup · ENT UK; NICE CKS
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.