A perspective on Alzheimer's disease: exploring the potential of terminal/paradoxical lucidity and psychedelics.
Cong Lin, Xiubo Du, Xiaohui Wang
Mol Neurodegener October 12, 2024 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-024-00761-5 (opens in new tab) via PubMed Central
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThis perspective piece explores two unusual phenomena that may offer new insights into Alzheimer's disease: terminal lucidity—unexpected moments of mental clarity shortly before death in people with severe dementia—and paradoxical lucidity, similar brief episodes not linked to dying. The authors also discuss the potential of psychedelic compounds to induce such lucid states, suggesting these phenomena could challenge current assumptions about irreversible cognitive decline and point toward novel therapeutic avenues. The paper synthesizes existing observations and hypotheses rather than presenting new empirical data, arguing that investigating these transient cognitive improvements might reveal underlying neural mechanisms and treatment targets.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Neuroscience Dementia-research Psychedelics End-of-life-care Cognitive-health |
| Citations | 6 |
| Key finding | Argues that terminal/paradoxical lucidity and psychedelics may share neurobiological mechanisms that could inform therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's disease. |
Abstract
A perspective on Alzheimer's disease: exploring the potential of terminal/paradoxical lucidity and psychedelics.