What are the limitations of the fast scale dementia?

While the fast scale dementia is highly validated, it should not replace clinical judgment. OpiCalc provides the latest evidence-based limitations for the fast scale dementia to ensure safe bedside use and optimal diagnostic accuracy.

How does the fast scale dementia compare to other PalliativeCare scores?

The fast scale dementia is a gold-standard diagnostic tool. OpiCalc provides side-by-side clinical guidance to help clinicians choose the most specific evidence-based tool for their patient's presentation.

Is the fast scale dementia free to use?

Yes. OpiCalc provides the fast scale dementia completely ad-free and optimized for mobile bedside use, ensuring you can calculate medical risk swiftly and without distraction.

OpiCalc

927 Clinical Tools

FAST Scale (Dementia)

FAST Scale (Dementia): 7-stage functional staging for advanced Alzheimer's disease. Stage 7c indicates 6-month hospice eligibility.

FAST Stage

Guidelines & Evidence

Clinical Details

Section 1

When to Use

Staging functional decline in advanced dementia

Identification of patients approaching Stage 7c (6-month hospice eligibility)

Prognostic guidance in dementia populations

Advance care planning discussions in Alzheimer's disease

Section 2

Formula & Logic

Scale Structure

7-stage scale (with substages for Stage 7) tracking functional decline from normal cognition (Stage 1) to terminal illness (Stage 7c).

Key Stages

Stage 1–3	Mild cognitive decline to early dementia
Stage 4–6	Moderate to moderately severe dementia
Stage 7a–c	Severe dementia; 7c indicates < 6 month prognosis

Section 3

Pearls/Pitfalls

Key Advantages

Validated framework for dementia staging

Stage 7c (6-month criterion) aligns with hospice eligibility

Useful for family education about expected trajectory

Last Comprehensive Review: 2026

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Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale

CAM-S

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