The last words of a person often have almost a mythical weight, they expect deep, poetic or frank words from them. However, in reality, the end of life is rarely so ordered. Instead of making a piercing last speech, many people experience delirium - a state of acute confusion, which in recent days of life experience up to 88% of incurably sick patients. This common but poorly studied phenomenon often changes speech, mental processes and consciousness, complicating the expected farewell, writes Bigthink.

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Delirium manifests itself in different ways and, in general, it can be divided into hyperactive and hypoactive. Some patients become restless and excited, speak fragmentary or meaningless phrases, while others become lethargic and immune. The last form is especially insidious, often remains unnoticed or erroneously written off on simple fatigue, explains Michael Erard, linguist and historian, as well as the author of the book Farewell, I Love You, dedicated to our first and last words.

The causes of its manifestation can be different, from the failure of organs and infections to side effects of drugs, but the result remains the same - the separation of reality, which often makes loved ones look for meaning in words that may not be. Biologically delirium occurs due to the imbalance of neurotransmitters that violates the connection between neurons.

Unlike irreversible damage to the brain, these disorders are often reversible if the main cause is treated. However, at the end of life, when numerous organs begin to disconnect, such a correction is rarely possible. Instead, medical workers focus on patient care, using the environmental adjustment, hydration and sometimes medicines to alleviate distress without accelerating death.

Despite the prevalence of delirium, it is often incorrectly diagnosed, taking for dementia, depression or even spiritual experience, Erard says. In some leaders in the hospice, it is proposed to accept the altered perception of the patient, and not to challenge him - if the dying person sees a long -lost relative or believes that he is preparing to travel, it is recommended to confirm these experiences, and not reject them.

This approach helps to reduce the anxiety and allows those present to fully interact with the dying, even when traditional communication is violated. Cultural expectations associated with the last words complicate the perception of the words spoken in delirium. Throughout the history of mankind, the last words were recorded and analyzed, as if some kind of deep truth is contained in them, but many of these moments were formed under the influence of the same cognitive disorder that is observed in modern patients.

The romanticized idea of \u200b\u200bdying words conflicts with biological reality, when the brain tries to function, and the body does not cope. In the book " Brahms gathered thousands of such recent points, emphasizing the unpredictable and often incoherent nature of the real last words. Given that the state of delirium affects a significant percentage of dying patients, its presence should be considered not as an anomaly, but rather as a natural part of the process.

Although he can erode the boundaries between clarity and confusion of consciousness, this does not cancel the significance of the latest communication with a person. The task is to change the point of view - not to look for clarity where it is not, but to accept those moments that remain, no matter how fragmented they are Erard.

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Important! This article is based on the latest scientific and medical research and does not contradict it. The text is exclusively informational in nature and does not contain medical advice. To establish a diagnosis, be sure to consult a doctor.