Dementia is often referred to as a “long goodbye.” The person is still alive, but dementia slowly and irreversibly chips away at the person’s memory and the qualities that make them “that person.”
Dementia ultimately robs people of their ability to communicate, eat and drink on their own, understand where they are, and recognize family members.
early on Nineteenth century, loved ones, caregivers, and healthcare professionals report that some people with dementia suddenly become lucid. They say the person had meaningful conversations, shared memories thought lost, joked, and even requested food.
it is estimated 43% of people People who experience this brief period of lucidity die within 24 hours, and 84% die within a week.
Why does this happen?
Terminal clarity or paradoxical clarity?
In 2009, researchers Michael Nahm and Bruce Graysonend-of-life clarityThis is because these lucid episodes often occur just before death.
However, not all lucid episodes indicate that death is imminent. a study Researchers have found that many people with advanced dementia show flashes of their former selves more than six months before death.
Clarity has also improved report Meningitis, other conditions that affect the brain and ability to think, such as schizophrenia, and people with brain tumors or brain injuries.
This is sometimes called a moment of lucidity that does not necessarily indicate death. paradoxical clarity. This is considered paradoxical as it goes against the expected course of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia.
However, it is important to note that these episodes of lucidity are temporary and sadly do not indicate recovery from neurodegenerative diseases.
Why does terminal lucidity occur?
Scientists have struggled to explain why end-of-life lucidity occurs. Some episodes of lucidity have been reported to occur in the presence of loved ones.Others have also reported it Music can sometimes improve clarity. However, many episodes of lucidity do not have a clear trigger.
New York University research team It has been speculated that changes in brain activity before death may cause end-of-life lucidity. However, this does not fully explain why people suddenly regain abilities that were thought to have been lost.
Paradoxical lucidity and terminal lucidity are also very difficult to study. Not all people with advanced dementia experience episodes of lucidity before death. Lucid episodes are also unpredictable and usually occur without a specific trigger.
And because terminal lucidity can be a fun time for those who witness the episode, it would be unethical for scientists to use that time to conduct research. It is also difficult for scientists to interview caregivers at the time of death about any moments of lucidity that may have occurred.
The explanation for apocalyptic clarity extends beyond science. These moments of mental clarity can be a way for the dying person to say their final goodbyes, shut down before death, and reconnect with family and friends. Some believe that episodes of terminal lucidity represent a person connecting with the afterlife.
Why is it important to know about end-of-life clarity?
People can react in a variety of ways when they see a patient with advanced dementia in a terminally hazy state. Some people may experience it as peaceful and bittersweet, while others may find it very confusing and upsetting. There may also be an urge to change the care plan or request life-saving measures for the dying person.
Recognizing end-of-life clarity helps loved ones understand that it is part of the dying process, recognizes that the person with dementia will not recover, and maximizes time spent with lucid people. It will help you to make use of it.
For those who witness it, clarity of consciousness at the end of life can be the last precious opportunity to reconnect with the person who existed before dementia took hold and the “long separation” began.
Yen Yin LimAssociate Professor, Turner Brain and Mental Health Research Institute, monash university and Dinnie ThomsonDoctoral (Clinical Neuropsychology) Candidate and Interim Psychologist, monash university
This article is republished from conversation Under Creative Commons License.read Original work.
