# Terminal lucidity
Terminal lucidity is a phenomenon, when people shortly before dying, often after a long period (even years) of dementia, or other cognitive disability "snap into" their consciousness and become perfectly aware of their surroundings, their mental world and people around. They start to take part in conversations with their relatives/caregivers and their memory refreshes.
This is quite fascinating. Also, it provided a data point: if a dying relative with dementia, or a similar conditions suddenly becomes lucid, it well might be the last few days.
There is a link to a journal paper:
> **Paradoxical lucidity: A potential paradigm shift for the neurobiology and treatment of severe dementias**
> Mashour et al.
> _Alzheimer's & Dementia_ Volume 15, Issue 8, August 2019, Pages 1107-1114
## Abstract
> Unexpected cognitive lucidity and communication in patients with severe dementias, especially around the time of death, have been observed and reported anecdotally. Here, we review what is known about this phenomenon, related phenomena that provide insight into potential mechanisms, ethical implications, and methodologic considerations for systematic investigation. We conclude that paradoxical lucidity, if systematically confirmed, challenges current assumptions and highlights the possibility of network-level return of cognitive function in cases of severe dementias, which can provide insight into both underlying neurobiology and future therapeutic possibilities.
