One of the first ever recordings of a dying brain shows that people can “replay” the best moments in their life before passing, according to a new study.
Scientists explored an area that “is not well understood” in humans and only previously carried out on animals before they die.
The study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience measured brain activity in a man with epilepsy as he was hooked to an electroencephalogram (EEG) when he passed away.
In the 15-minute period before the 87-year-old's death, there was an increase in gamma-band activity in the brain, 30 seconds either side of him dying.
Scientists found that "the brain may be playing a last recall of important life events" - and the findings could bring comfort to families who have lost a loved one.
The report suggested that this period before death could be a peaceful, relaxed state where the brain is shutting down, allowing people to sift through memories.
The state of the brain while passing is also is something that has also been put forward by those who have suffered a near-death experience.
The report stated: “The human brain may possess the capability to generate coordinated activity during the near-death period.”
Dr Ajmal Zemmar, a neurosurgeon at the University of LouisvilleZemmar, who organised the study, said: "Through generating oscillations involved in memory retrieval, the brain may be playing a last recall of important life events just before we die, similar to the ones reported in near-death experiences.
"These findings challenge our understanding of when exactly life ends and generate important subsequent questions, such as those related to the timing of organ donation."
A press release stated: “Imagine reliving your entire life in the space of seconds. Like a flash of lightning, you are outside of your body, watching memorable moments you lived through. This process, known as ‘life recall’, can be similar to what it’s like to have a near-death experience.
“What happens inside your brain during these experiences and after death are questions that have puzzled neuroscientists for centuries.
"However, a new study published to Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience suggests that your brain may remain active and coordinated during and even after the transition to death and may even be programmed to orchestrate the whole ordeal.”
The fact that the evidence came from a patient suffering from epilepsy who had suffered “injury, seizures and swelling” which complicates the interpretation of the data and the study has said further investigation is needed.
But, Dr Zemmar said that it is a source of hope for families who have lost a loved one.
“As a neurosurgeon, I deal with loss at times. It is indescribably difficult to deliver the news of death to distraught family members,” he said.
“Something we may learn from this research is: although our loved ones have their eyes closed and are ready to leave us to rest, their brains may be replaying some of the nicest moments they experienced in their lives.”
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here
