If your loved one in hospice suddenly seems to get better at the end of their life, it’s not just their imagination.
California hospice nurse Julie McFadden revealed this in a recent paper. YouTube video Patients receiving end-of-life care may appear to have improved symptoms in the days or hours leading up to death.
Ms McFadden told her 500,000 subscribers that this is something called end-of-life lucidity, which occurs when terminally ill patients experience sudden bursts of energy, mental clarity and alertness. He explained.
While experiencing end-of-life lucidity, patients may appear to have improved memory and cognitive function, or may suddenly be able to get out of bed. You may also notice subtle changes in your mood or seem less confused.
The patient dies after just a few hours or days.
Ms McFadden called this the “biggest phenomenon” experienced by people on the brink of death.
One in three dying people worldwide may experience a terminal lucid state, also known as a “surge” or “rally.”
Experts aren’t sure what causes unconsciousness at the end of life, but recent research suggests that people who are dying experience stress-related surges in brain activity and neurotransmitters that give them their last bit of energy. It shows that it is possible.
California hospice nurse Julie McFadden revealed in a recent YouTube video that patients receiving end-of-life care may appear to have improved symptoms in the days leading up to death.
While sudden improvement may seem reassuring, McFadden cautioned that patients are not suddenly cured.
She said, “The hard part is that you enjoy it while it’s happening, but you know that there’s a good chance they’re going to die soon.”
McFadden said she often hears family members describe their loved one’s end-of-life consciousness as “good days.” Patients may request their favorite foods or appear more engaged, she said.
This usually lasts from a few hours to 1-2 days.
McFadden said her grandmother likely experienced the rally shortly before her death at age 91.
In her final days, she refused to eat or drink and slept most of the time. But at one point, McFadden’s family found her sitting trying to put on her shoes. I managed to eat some food.
Her grandmother died the next day.
“This is a perfect example of a rally,” McFadden said in the video.
The exact cause of end-of-life lucidity is unknown.
however, study A paper published last year examining brain activity during death suggested that the dying brain is deprived of oxygen and gamma wave activity may increase.
Gamma waves are the fastest brain waves and occur when the patient is highly alert and actively processing sensory information.
Experts also believe that just before death, the brain releases large amounts of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which may improve mood.
“There’s nothing scientifically proven or studied to tell us exactly why it’s happening,” McFadden said.
McFadden encouraged caregivers to take advantage of their loved ones’ end-of-life lucid states if they appear to be experiencing them.
She said: “Try to stay in the moment when your loved one is having a really good day.” See it as a true blessing, like a gift your loved one gives you. ”
