Last Moments of Clarity: A Brief Cognitive Reawakening

In the world of science, astonishing changes in behavior and physiology are observed just a few hours before death, when the brain and heart experience turning points. Research shows that at this critical moment, even people with long-term intellectual impairments can temporarily regain clarity of mind and memory—a process that unveils the mysteries of the final stages of life.

Scientific observations indicate that neurophysiological mechanisms during the pre-death period may activate the brain's central areas, allowing for the recovery of cognitive functions. Clinical examples demonstrate how patients, who had long lost the ability for clear thought and memory, begin to vividly recall their loved ones, affairs, and even engage in coherent conversation just minutes before passing away. This phenomenon suggests that even when life seems to be coming to an end, the brain is capable of a sudden surge in cognitive activity.

Such observations prompt us to reflect on the depth and mystery of human consciousness. They remind us that the final moments of life can be marked not only by farewells but also by an astonishing return of inner clarity and vitality. This dynamic period opens up prospects for further investigation of the neurophysiological processes underlying our consciousness and allows us to view death as a transitional phase, full of hidden energy and surprising opportunities for understanding the human brain.

Why do some people experience specific changes in behavior and physiology just hours before death?
The observed changes in behavior and physiology just hours before death, according to several observations, are related to transitional processes in the brain and changes in heart function, which apparently lead to a brief reawakening of consciousness even in individuals with long-standing intellectual impairments. For example, as Egger notes, "more than 1/4 of dying maniacs regain consciousness and lucidity before death. Even the mentally challenged and idiots, at the moment of death, experience an enlightenment of consciousness, during which they exhibit unusual memory and lucidity..." (source: link , page: 264-265). This indicates that in critical moments, there is an activation of neurophysiological mechanisms that momentarily restore cognitive functions.

Furthermore, Professor P. Kovalevsky described a similar phenomenon in detail: "I have personally observed," says the renowned psychiatrist Prof. P. Kovalevsky, "chronic senile dementors, who had been in this state for many years, not remembering their father, mother, children, or even their own name, who, a few minutes (30-120) before death, clearly and distinctly recalled their family, their affairs, and engaged in a proper and sensible conversation..." (source: link , page: 264). This observation indicates that even after prolonged cognitive decline, there can be a temporary 'jump' in memory and judgment during the pre-death period.

Thus, the specific changes in behavior and physiology observed just hours before death may be caused by agonizing processes during which there is a brief reactivation of central neuronal structures. This leads to unexpected surges of clarity, memory restoration, and more coherent thinking even in those who normally suffer from significant cognitive limitations.