Chapter 1: The Final Moments

The interplay of neuronal coherence and connectivity in the human brain during dying has been brought to light in a recent study.

Steve Jobs' last words were shared poignantly by his sister, Mona Simpson: “Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow.”

Reflecting on my own experience, I recall the morning my mother passed away in 2021. She waited to see her great-grandson one last time; upon his arrival, the usually cheerful 3-year-old said goodbye instead.

With love, she whispered, “I love you, MatMat.”

Over the course of 21 days, we were by her side, surrounded by family during the pandemic. She chose to rest beside us. As she took her final breath, she peacefully closed her eyes. I laid her back on her bed, and in that moment, she found tranquility.

Now, she is at peace.

Numerous accounts from those who have experienced near-death situations describe similar sentiments—those who returned to share what they encountered on the other side.

These individuals often mention witnessing their lives flash before their eyes. A recent study conducted by a team of neurosurgeons has unveiled intriguing findings regarding this phenomenon.

Chapter 2: Insights from Neuroscience

A serendipitous event led to a groundbreaking study when neurosurgeons monitored the brain activity of an 87-year-old man suffering from epilepsy. Tragically, during their assessment, the man experienced a fatal heart attack.

The research highlighted that in the 30 seconds leading up to and following his death, the man's brainwaves exhibited patterns akin to those seen during dreaming or memory recall.

Dr. Ajmal Zemmar, a neurosurgeon at the University of Louisville, and his team captured 900 seconds of the man's brain activity. Notably, the last 30 seconds revealed significant gamma oscillations until the moment his heart ceased to beat.

These brain oscillations, commonly referred to as brain waves, are indicative of various cognitive functions, including concentration, dreaming, and memory retrieval. The study suggests that as we approach death, we may be reminiscing about our most cherished moments.

Dr. Zemmar posits that even as our loved ones appear to rest, their minds might be revisiting the happiest times of their lives: “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.”

The ongoing debate remains: does life end when the heart stops, or when brain activity ceases? While this specific case pertains to one individual, studies conducted on rats provide additional insight.

In a 2013 investigation, researchers observed heightened brainwave activity lasting up to 30 seconds post-cardiac arrest in rats, echoing Dr. Zemmar’s findings.

Steve Jobs, reflecting on mortality, once stated, “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” He also famously remarked that “Death is very likely the single best invention of life.”

We may never know what he witnessed in those final moments, but I take comfort in believing that, like my mother, he experienced profound joy at the end of his journey.

As I contemplate my own mortality, I'm reassured by the thought that I too will see the cherished memories of my life. While I await that moment, I aim to continue living fully.

Farewell for now, Mom.

Sources:

• A replay of life: What happens in our brain when we die?

  By Maryam Clark, science writer

• Enhanced Interplay of Neuronal Coherence and Coupling in the Dying Human Brain

• Opinion | A Sister's Eulogy for Steve Jobs (Published 2011)