Terminal Lucidity: Why Does it Happen?

  Terminal lucidity is a phenomenon that’s been discussed since the time of Hippocrates, the Greek physician who lived four centuries before our era. Interestingly, it’s one of the least studied events in the scientific field, despite its relevance. In fact, the bulk of the information is anecdotal, although there’s some research on the subject. Terminal lucidity is when a patient suffering from dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s, suddenly regains consciousness shortly before death. They suddenly remember everything they’d previously forgotten and behave in the most natural way as if they’d never had a problem. Shortly after, they die. This phenomenon is…