For centuries, the transition from life to death has puzzled scientists and philosophers alike, the Daily Mail reports.
Now, for the first time, neuroscientists have recorded brain activity in a dying human, shedding light on what may occur in those final moments. The discovery suggests that individuals might experience a “life review” — a phenomenon where vivid autobiographical memories rapidly replay, akin to seeing one’s life flash before their eyes.
This groundbreaking recording was made when an 87-year-old patient being treated for epilepsy went into cardiac arrest. The medical team had already placed an electroencephalography (EEG) device on his head to monitor brain activity. When the patient unexpectedly passed away, doctors captured 900 seconds of brain activity, including the 30 seconds before and after the heart stopped beating.
Analysis revealed the presence of various brain waves, including gamma oscillations, which are linked to high-level cognitive functions such as memory retrieval. According to Dr. Ajmal Zemmar from the University of Louisville, this activity may indicate that the brain engages in a “last recall of important life events” before death, similar to reports from individuals who have experienced near-death episodes.
The findings raise questions about the brain’s biological mechanisms at the end of life. Researchers speculate that the brain may be biologically programmed to manage the transition into death, potentially orchestrating neurological events rather than simply shutting down. Dr. Zemmar noted that understanding this process could offer comfort to families dealing with loss, suggesting that their loved ones may be reliving joyful memories in their final moments.
On the biological side, scientists have theorized that oxygen deprivation during life-threatening events may trigger heightened brain activity, leading to vivid memory flashes. Another possibility is the activation of the amygdala, a brain region associated with emotional memory and survival responses, during such events.
The findings also challenge traditional notions of when life truly ends. Dr. Zemmar emphasized that this research could prompt discussions about the criteria for declaring death, particularly in relation to organ donation.
“When do you go ahead with organ donation? When are we truly dead?” he pondered.
Dr. Zemmar suggested that EEG activity might be considered alongside heart function in future protocols.
