A Review and A Case Collection on Terminal Lucidity

Terminal lucidity, the unexpected return of mental clarity and memory shortly before death in patients with severe psychiatric and neurological disorders, has been documented in medical literature for over 250 years but remains largely overlooked. In this review, we examine a variety of terminal lucidity cases to encourage further investigation into the underlying mechanisms and their potential implications for understanding memory and cognition at the end of life, as well as for advancing treatments for terminal illnesses. Reported cases include patients affected by brain abscesses, tumors, strokes, meningitis, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, and mood disorders. Notably, several accounts suggest that during episodes of terminal lucidity, cognitive and memory functions may operate through neurological processes distinct from those of the typical brain. We propose that in-depth study of terminal lucidity could yield valuable insights into memory and cognitive processing and inform the development of new therapeutic approaches. Additionally, greater awareness of these unusual end-of-life experiences may better equip physicians, caregivers, and bereaved families to recognize and cope with such events.