terminal lucidity

noun1

1. •
   A rare, mysterious phenomenon when someone with a severe neurological or psychiatric condition (like dementia) experiences a sudden, temporary return of mental clarity, memory, and personality just before death, allowing for clear communication and recognition; appearing one's old self for a brief period before passing away.

   • Terminal lucidity was reported by 60% of the participants in Santos et al.’s (2017) study and by 73% of the participants in Claxton-Oldfield and Richard’s (2022) study. — 2026