Alzheimer's Disease, the Phenomenon of Parent Fixation and Bowlby's Attachment Theory


Bère M.L. Miesen
Bok Engelsk
Utgitt
BML Miesen Marienhaven Psychogeriatr Ctr Dept
Omfang
7 s.
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Opplysninger
SUMMARY: Sooner or later many Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients behave as if their deceased parents are still alive. This phenomenon is called parent fixation (PF) and is considered within the theoretical framework of Bowlby's Attachment theoty. The hypothesis is that PF is an expression of their need to feel safe and secure. Explporative research indicates that PF is correlated with the level of cognitive functioning and attachment behavior. The results show that (1) AD can be considered as a 'strange situation' which activates attachment behavior; and (2) the PF which occurs in AD patients has different meanings for the different stages of dementia. The conclusion is that in Alzheimer's disease patients there is more to be taken into account than cognitive disabilities and neurobiological deficits. A great deal of their behavior can be better perceived and understood as the result (eg. aggression) of attachment behaviour in a situation that is experienced as insecure.
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