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Subjective Cognitive Decline, Inter-Personal Attachment Style and Relationship Quality.
Mohamed Eshmawey1,2, Sonja M Kagerer3,4, Federica Ribaldi2
1Department of Geriatric Psychiatry Geneva University Hospitals Geneva Switzerland.
Journal of General and Family Medicine
|November 6, 2025
Summary
Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is linked to less disorganized attachment styles. This finding offers insights into relationship changes for individuals experiencing cognitive concerns before dementia onset.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
Background:
- Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) involves perceived cognitive dysfunction, potentially signaling early dementia.
- SCD is prevalent in older adults, yet its impact on interpersonal relationships remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between subjective cognitive decline and attachment styles.
- To explore how SCD influences close relationships and individual differences in attachment.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 16 SCD patients and 39 controls from the COSCODE study.
- Utilized Hazan and Shafer questionnaires for attachment styles and the Experience in Close Relationships Scale.
- Employed Wilcoxon rank-sum test with Bonferroni correction for statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- SCD was significantly associated with lower disorganized attachment scores (p=0.01).
- No significant association was found between SCD and overall experience in close relationships.
Conclusions:
- Understanding attachment changes in SCD offers crucial insights for supporting couple relationships.
- This research aids in comprehending relationship dynamics preceding dementia onset.
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