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Recalled experiences of death: need for empirical research without prejudice

Nature Reviews Neurology volume 22, pages 196–197 (2026) Cite this article

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We acknowledge Martial et al.’s proposed model of so-called near-death experiences (NDEs) (Martial, C. et al. A neuroscientific model of near-death experiences. Nat. Rev. Neurol. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41582-025-01072-z; 2025)1. A more accurate term proposed by a consensus of scientists is recalled experiences of death (REDs)2.

Following advances in resuscitation and life and organ support in the 1960s3, REDs have been increasingly reported2. These intrinsic, perceived experiences, which encompass around 50 themes, follow a specific narrative, including a heightened, lucid inner experience despite absent signs of consciousness; separation of selfhood with visual and auditory awareness; and meaningful and purposeful life review (actions and intentions towards others analysed through seemingly universal moral and ethical standards)2,4.

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Acknowledgements

We sincerely thank E. Elahi for his insights, comments and discussions, particularly in relation to functional disinhibition and activation of dormant neural pathways in the liminal space between life and death, as well as the limitations of neuromodulators in adjudicating reality to human experiences.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Critical Care and Resuscitation Research Program, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA

    Sam Parnia, Sanam Alilou, Natalia Leontovich, Anelly M. Gonzales & Tara Keshavarz

  2. Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY, USA

    Jignesh Patel

  3. Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA

    Erik Kulstad

  4. Department of Neurology, Stony Brook Level 4 Epilepsy Center at the School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA

    Rebecca Spiegel

  5. Department of Family, Population and Preventive Medicine, Stony Brook Medical Center, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, USA

    Stephen G. Post

  6. Department of Emergency Medicine, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK

    Benjamin M. Bloom

  7. University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK

    Charles D. Deakin

Authors
  1. Sam Parnia
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  2. Jignesh Patel
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  6. Sanam Alilou
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sam Parnia.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Parnia, S., Patel, J., Kulstad, E. et al. Recalled experiences of death: need for empirical research without prejudice. Nat Rev Neurol 22, 196–197 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41582-026-01186-y

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