The impact of attachment on dementia-related problem behavior and spousal caregivers' well-being.

This study investigated the impact of attachment style on the course of dementia-related problem behavior and caregivers' well-being over 2 years. A total of 116 married couples with one spouse suffering from dementia participated. Care recipients' and caregivers' attachment styles were assessed at the beginning of the study. Caregivers' well-being and care recipients' dementia-related problem behavior were assessed three times (n = 68). Husbands' and wives' attachment styles were significantly associated. Caregivers' avoidance and care recipients' insecure attachment style were associated with increased levels of dementia-related problem behavior. Caregivers' avoidance and anxiety were also associated with lower levels of caregivers' well-being. The latent growth curve analysis indicated that problem behavior and attachment style are associated, and that both have direct effects on caregivers' well-being.