FAST scale · stage 2 of 7
Stage 2 dementia: very mild change
They mention forgetting names or where they put things, but manage everything as before.
What daily life looks like
The person says they forget names, words or where they left things more than they used to. Nobody else can see a difference, and they cope with every part of daily life as before. Many people at this point have ordinary age-related forgetfulness and nothing more.
What typically changes next
If change comes, other people start to notice it: at work, in demanding tasks, or when finding the way somewhere new.
What helps caregivers at this stage
- Note what they mention and when; a short written record is useful later.
- Lists, a shared calendar and fixed places for keys and glasses reduce the small frustrations.
- A clinician can check for the many treatable causes of forgetfulness, such as thyroid, sleep, mood or medication effects.
When to talk to a clinician
A sudden change, over days rather than months, is not a stage change. Confusion that appears quickly, new agitation, a fall or a change in eating or continence can be an infection, pain, a medication effect or dehydration, and those are treated. Bring your log and the date you last filled in the checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What is stage 2 dementia?
On the seven-stage FAST scale, stage 2 (very mild change) means: They mention forgetting names or where they put things, but manage everything as before.
How long does stage 2 dementia last?
The published scale does not give a typical duration for stage 2; many people at this point never progress further, and others move on over years.
What comes after stage 2?
If change comes, other people start to notice it: at work, in demanding tasks, or when finding the way somewhere new.
Keep it over time in Anchorly
Anchorly keeps the monthly stage check-in next to the daily log, the sundowning tracker and the life story, and puts the latest stage on the one-page care snapshot for the care team.
Free, no account, works offline. Your loved one's information stays on the phone.
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