The mosaic of life: Integrating attachment and trauma theory in the treatment of challenging behavior in elderly with dementia

Abstract

Elderly with dementia are aware people who think and feel. Suffering from dementia made them feel unsafe. This lack of safety can result in attachment behavior (e.g. proximity seeking) or challenging behavior resulting from posttraumatic symptoms, triggered by the experience of insecurity. We can use the symbol of a mosaic to illustrate that the elderly is the sum of all his different life experiences which make him a unique person. I want to emphasize the importance of a holistic assessment in which the attachment history and traumatic experiences of the person are integrated. In this workshop, I want to present a treatment model, wherein different important features such as mentalization, self-regulation, internal working model… are highlighted. The model integrates neuroscience to facilitate growth and change. By bringing together the environmental aspects with the interpersonal aspects, a safe haven is created. The staff was trained in person-centered care, attachment and trauma theory and tailor made treatment. The blend of attachment and trauma theory with neuroscience brings us new therapeutic possibilities in working with this specific part of the population.