Alzheimer's disease, the phenomenon of parent fixation and bowlby's attachment theory

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 theory. The hypothesis is that PF is an expression of their need to feel safe and secure. Explorative research indicates that PF is correlated with the level of cognitive functioning and attachment behaviour. The results show that (1) AD can be considered as a "strange situation" which activates attachment behaviour; 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 behaviour can be better perceived and understood as the result (eg aggression) of attachment behaviour in a situation that is experienced as insecure.