DEATH’S LAST WHISPER : UNDERSTANDING TERMINAL LUCIDITY
Terminal lucidity, also known as terminal rally or end-of-life experience, is a phenomenon characterized by the sudden return of mental clarity, memory, and communication skills in individuals with severe neurological or psychiatric disorders, often in the final days or hours of their lives. Despite its existence being reported since the 19th century, the underlying mechanisms and identifying characteristics of terminal lucidity are not well understood and are a subject of ongoing research.
The exact mechanisms behind terminal lucidity remain unclear, and there is no consensus on the underlying causes. Some researchers suggest that it may be related to the dying brain losing its usual suppression mechanisms, allowing access to previously inaccessible parts of the brain. Other theories propose that it could be a result of the brain attempting to restore cognitive abilities in individuals who are otherwise considered permanently impaired.
During terminal lucidity, individuals may regain their ability to communicate, show increased cheerfulness, and demonstrate a renewed interest in eating and drinking. People with memory problems such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia may experience sudden recollection and recognition of memories. The cognitive and memory abilities function differently than those of unaffected individuals.
Studying terminal lucidity presents ethical challenges due to the need for informed consent and the potential implications for end-of-life care. Care providers face ethical dilemmas regarding whether to provide deep sedation, which might limit terminal lucidity, and how to respond to requests for a change in care plans from family members.
The study of terminal lucidity has the potential to provide insights into the complex process of death and the human experience. It may also challenge our understanding of the irreversibility of chronic degenerative dementias and offer possibilities for restoring cognitive abilities in individuals who are otherwise considered permanently impaired.
REFERENCES :
Michael Nahm,Bruce Greyson,Emily Williams Kelly,Erlendur Haraldsson.Terminal lucidity: A review and a case collection.Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics.20 July 2011.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2011.06.031
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-dying-people-often-experience-a-burst-of-lucidity/
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