Neural regions associated with memories of Recalled Experiences of Death (REDs; authentic Near‑Death Experiences [NDEs]): a preliminary functional MRI study.
Resuscitation plus May 1, 2026 José Alonso Ruiz, Mayte Rodríguez-González-Moro, Tomás Segura et al.
Reliving memories of recalled experiences of death (REDs), also known as authentic near-death experiences, engages brain networks involved in autobiographical memory and the default mode network, including the precuneus, posterior cingulate cortex, and medial prefrontal cortex. No activation was found in primary sensorimotor or limbic areas. The activation patterns were not consistent with those typically reported for primary sensory hallucinations, suggesting that these memories are vivid episodic recollections rather than imagined or false memories. The findings indicate that controlled reliving of REDs may be a useful paradigm for investigating multisensory autobiographical memory and neural processes related to conscious self-experience.