Exploring the final moments of life is like venturing into uncharted territory, filled with intrigue and mystery. Throughout history, mankind has pondered when and how the brain shuts down upon death. Recent studies have shed light on this enigma, offering insights into the neurophysiological processes that unfold during our last breaths. While capturing recordings of the dying brain poses challenges, scientists have made significant strides in deciphering its secrets. One intriguing window into the brain’s final journey stems from survivors of near-death experiences (NDEs). These extraordinary accounts reveal fascinating phenomena such as memory recall, out-of-body experiences, and profound meditative states. By merging findings from NDE research with existing investigations of the dying brain, experts aim to deduce the neurophysiological patterns associated with death’s arrival and establish a comprehensive timeline. This review surveys past literature, explores the changes that occur in the brain before death, and offers valuable insights into standardizing future research within this fascinating field.
When do we die and what happens in the brain when we die? The mystery around these questions has engaged mankind for centuries. Despite the challenges to obtain recordings of the dying brain, recent studies have contributed to better understand the processes occurring during the last moments of life. In this review, we summarize the literature on neurophysiological changes around the time of death. Perhaps the only subjective description of death stems from survivors of near-death experiences (NDEs). Hallmarks of NDEs include memory recall, out-of-body experiences, dreaming, and meditative states. We survey the evidence investigating neurophysiological changes of these experiences in healthy subjects and attempt to incorporate this knowledge into the existing literature investigating the dying brain to provide valuations for the neurophysiological footprint and timeline of death. We aim to identify reasons explaining the variations of data between studies investigating this field and provide suggestions to standardize research and reduce data variability.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.
