When people with advanced dementia suddenly return to themselves and remember: A literature review

What is it about?

The authors reviewed the literature using five databases as sources. While the biomechanics of lucidity in people with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and related dementias is poorly understood, there have been dozens of publications in the last 30 years characterizing the epistemic phenomenon. Our findings characterize the state of research and collate the academic material about paradoxical lucidity in a scoping review. Such a review has not yet been performed to date on this topic. This paper provides a reference for researchers seeking to review the state of the literature on lucidity in people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Future investigations will include nationally and multi-nationally representative surveys of the phenomenon according to caregivers, following strict criteria as delineated in the papers found. The topic provides ample material for interdisciplinary cooperation. Finally, elucidation of biological mechanisms will yield a better understanding and eventual treatment of these diseases.

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Photo by Steven HWG on Unsplash

Photo by Steven HWG on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Never-before undertaken scoping review of literature on paradoxical lucidity in dementia. Provides a much-needed, convenient compilation of relevant literature using strict inclusion criteria for future researchers. Includes brief summary from authors’ conclusion of each article tabulated. This review provides a relevant tool in a fast-growing area of interest, such as the NIH’s National Institute on Aging

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