Latest news with #neurologicalDisorder
WIRED
2 days ago
- Health
- WIRED
Scientists Succeed in Reversing Parkinson's Symptoms in Mice
Jul 10, 2025 6:30 AM The findings of two recent studies give hope that the disease could one day be reversed in humans—but experts warn that this complex disease will likely need multiple complementary treatments. An illustration of the human brain showing a shrunken substantia nigra, a degeneration that occurs with Parkinson's disease. Illustration: KATERYNA KON/SCIENCEAll products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Cases of Parkinson's disease have doubled in the last 25 years, according to figures from the World Health Organization. For decades, the scientists have investigated what triggers this disorder to mitigate its symptoms and anticipate its onset. Now, a series of experimental therapies are laying the groundwork for potentially reversing the condition, which affects nearly 10 million people worldwide and can generate costs of approximately $10,000 per patient per year, when considering direct and indirect medical expenses. Parkinson's disease is a degenerative neurological disorder in which cells that produce dopamine in the brain die, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowness of movement, and alterations in balance. So far there is no cure, and treatments are limited. Kay Double, a professor at the University of Sydney's School of Medical Sciences, has been researching the biological mechanisms underlying this disease for more than a decade, with the aim of finding ways to slow or even halt its progression. In 2017, he led a study that identified for the first time an abnormal form of a protein called SOD1 in Parkinson's patients. Under normal conditions, this protein acts as an antioxidant enzyme, protecting brain cells from damage caused by free radicals, highly reactive molecules that contain oxygen and can deteriorate cells if not properly neutralized. Free radicals are produced by natural bodily processes as well as by external factors, like diet, smoking, and exposure to pollution. In people with Parkinson's disease, SOD1 suffers alterations that prevent it from fulfilling its protective function, with it instead accumulating in the brain and causing neuronal damage, according to the findings of Double's team. Based on these results, the team then conducted further research, with results suggesting that copper supplementation in the brain could be an effective way to slow and even reverse the symptoms of Parkinson's (copper is crucial to SOD1's function). To test this hypothesis, they evaluated the efficacy of a drug called CuATSM, designed to cross the blood-brain barrier and deliver copper directly to brain tissue. This experiment, written up and published in Acta Neuropathologica Communications, was divided into two phases. The first was to determine the optimal dose of the drug to induce a response in the brain. To find this, CuATSM was administered daily for three weeks to 27 eight-week-old wild-type mice, with concentrations of copper and other metals then measured in the mice's tissues. This revealed that 15 milligrams per kilogram was the ideal dose to effectively increase the levels of copper in the brain. In the second stage, this dose was applied to 10 mice genetically modified to develop Parkinson's-like symptoms. The animals were divided into two groups: one received CuATSM daily for three months, while the other received a placebo without the active ingredient. The results showed that the mice treated with the placebo experienced a deterioration in their motor skills. In contrast, those that received the copper supplement showed no alterations in their movement. It appears the treatment corrected the dysfunctions of SOD1 and restored its protective properties. In the mice receiving the copper treatment, dopamine neurons were preserved in an area of the brain called the substantia nigra, an area essential for the control of movement, coordination, learning, and certain cognitive functions. 'All of the mice we treated showed dramatic improvement in their motor skills. The results exceeded our expectations and suggest that, after further study, this therapeutic approach could slow the progression of Parkinson's in humans,' says Double. But experts caution that Parkinson's is a complex condition that will likely require multiple combined interventions. A single treatment may have limited effect, but its efficacy may be enhanced by integrating it with other therapeutic approaches. In that context, Double's team's findings could be complemented by recent research from Stanford University focused on restoring communication between neurons in a subtype of Parkinson's linked to mutations in the gene responsible for producing an enzyme called LRRK2. In these cases, the mutation causes hyperactivity of the enzyme, altering the structure of brain cells and disrupting signaling between dopaminergic neurons and those in the striatum, a deep brain region related to movement, motivation, and decision-making. It is estimated that about 25 percent of Parkinson's cases are genetic in origin, and the LRRK2 mutation is one of the most frequent. The team led by Stanford neuroscientist Suzanne Pfeffer proposed that inhibiting the excessive activity of this enzyme could stabilize symptoms, especially if detected in early stages. The goal was to regenerate primary cilia, antenna-like structures that enable communication between cells. The hypothesis was tested in mice genetically modified to exhibit LRRK2 hyperactivity and early symptoms of the disorder. For two weeks, these animals were administered with a compound called MLi-2, which binds to the enzyme and reduces its activity. In this first test, no relevant changes were observed, which the researchers attributed to the fact that the examined neurons and glia—another type of cell in the nervous system, which support neurons—were already mature and were not in the cell division phase. However, a review of the scientific literature revealed that, even if mature, certain neurons can regenerate their primary cilia depending on their sleep-wake cycles. 'The findings that other nonproliferative cells can develop cilia made us think that the inhibitor still had therapeutic potential,' Pfeffer explains. The team then decided to extend the treatment to three months. After this period, they found that the percentage of neurons and glial cells in the striatum with primary cilia was comparable to that of healthy mice without the genetic mutation. This restoration of cellular structures made it possible to reactivate communication between dopaminergic neurons and the striatum. As a result, neurotransmitters affected by the LRRK2 protein induced the production of neuroprotective factors at levels similar to those of a healthy brain, something that had been diminished as a result of LRRK2 hyperactivity. In addition, density markers of dopaminergic nerve endings were doubled, suggesting a possible recovery of previously damaged neurons. 'These findings suggest that it is not only possible to stabilize the disease, but also to improve the condition of patients. This therapeutic approach has great potential to restore neuronal activity in Parkinson's-affected circuits. There are currently several ongoing clinical trials with LRRK2 inhibitors, and we hope that these results in mice can be translated to humans,' says Pfeffer. The authors stress that, to maximize the effectiveness of this treatment, it is essential to identify early symptoms, which can occur up to 15 years before the characteristic tremors. The hope is that people with the LRRK2 mutation will be able to start treatment early. The next step would be to assess whether other Parkinson's variants, not associated with this genetic mutation, could also benefit from this strategy. It is estimated that the number of Parkinson's cases worldwide could exceed 25 million by 2050, which would represent a 112 percent increase over 2021 figures, according to projections published in the British Medical Journal. Although these estimates are not definitive, the scientific community warns that they reflect a growing challenge for public health systems. For this reason, developing therapies capable of mitigating, stabilizing, and even reversing the progression of the disease is a global priority. This story originally appeared on WIRED en Español and has been translated from Spanish.
Health Line
27-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Everything You Need To Know About Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Key takeaways Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder that can cause unpleasant sensations in the legs, along with a powerful urge to move them. While RLS is a chronic condition with no cure, medication, such as dopaminergic agents, can help manage symptoms. Home remedies, such as yoga and massage, may also help to reduce symptoms, but it may take some trial and error to find the remedies that are most helpful. Restless legs syndrome, or RLS, is a neurological disorder. RLS is also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, or RLS/WED. RLS causes unpleasant sensations in the legs, along with a powerful urge to move them. For most people, that urge is more intense when you're relaxed or trying to sleep. The most serious concern for people with RLS is that it interferes with sleep, causing daytime sleepiness and fatigue. RLS and sleep deprivation can put you at risk for other health problems, including depression if not treated. RLS affects about 10 percent of Americans, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. It can occur at any age, though it's usually more severe in middle age or later. Women are twice as likely as men to have RLS. At least 80 percent of people with RLS have a related condition called periodic limb movement of sleep (PLMS). PLMS causes the legs to twitch or jerk during sleep. It can happen as often as every 15 to 40 seconds and can continue all night long. PLMS can also lead to sleep deprivation. RLS is a lifelong condition with no cure, but medication can help manage symptoms. What are the symptoms? The most prominent symptom of RLS is the overwhelming urge to move your legs, especially when you're sitting still or lying in bed. You might also feel unusual sensations like a tingling, crawling, or pulling sensation in your legs. Movement may relieve these sensations. If you have mild RLS, symptoms may not occur every night. And you might attribute these movements to restlessness, nervousness, or stress. A more severe case of RLS is challenging to ignore. It can complicate the simplest activities, like going to the movies. A long plane ride can also be difficult. People with RLS are likely to have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep because symptoms are worse at night. Daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and sleep deprivation can harm your physical and mental health. Symptoms usually affect both sides of the body, but some people have them on only one side. In mild cases, symptoms may come and go. RLS can also affect other parts of the body, including your arms and head. For most people with RLS, symptoms worsen with age. People with RLS often use movement as a way to relieve symptoms. That might mean pacing the floor or tossing and turning in bed. If you sleep with a partner, it may well be disturbing their sleep as well. What causes restless legs syndrome? More often than not, the cause of RLS is a mystery. There may be a genetic predisposition and an environmental trigger. More than 40 percent of people with RLS have some family history of the condition. In fact, there are five gene variants associated with RLS. When it runs in the family, symptoms usually start before age 40. There may be a connection between RLS and low levels of iron in the brain, even when blood tests show that your iron level is normal. RLS may be linked to a disruption in the dopamine pathways in the brain. Parkinson's disease is also related to dopamine. That may explain why many people with Parkinson's also have RLS. Some of the same medications are used to treat both conditions. Research on these and other theories is ongoing. It's possible that certain substances like caffeine or alcohol can trigger or intensify symptoms. Other potential causes include medications to treat: allergies nausea depression psychosis Primary RLS isn't related to an underlying condition. But RLS can actually be an offshoot of another health problem, like neuropathy, diabetes, or kidney failure. When that's the case, treating the main condition may resolve RLS issues. Risk factors for restless legs syndrome There are certain things that may put you in a higher risk category for RLS. But it's uncertain if any of these factors actually cause RLS. Some of them are: Gender: Women are twice as likely as men to get RLS. Age: Although you can get RLS at any age, it's more common and tends to be more severe after middle age. Family history: You're more likely to have RLS if others in your family have it. Pregnancy: Some women develop RLS during pregnancy, particularly in the last trimester. This usually resolves within weeks of delivery. Chronic diseases: Conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, and kidney failure, may lead to RLS. Often treating the condition relieves symptoms of RLS. Medications: Antinausea, antipsychotic, antidepressant, and antihistamine medications may trigger or aggravate symptoms of RLS. Ethnicity: Anyone can get RLS, but it's more common in people of Northern European descent. Having RLS can affect your overall health and quality of life. If you have RLS and chronic sleep deprivation, you may be a higher risk of: heart disease stroke diabetes kidney disease depression early death Diagnosing restless legs syndrome There isn't one single test that can confirm or rule out RLS. A large part of the diagnosis will be based on your description of symptoms. To reach a diagnosis of RLS, all the following must be present: overwhelming urge to move, usually accompanied by strange sensations symptoms get worse at night and are mild or absent in the early part of the day sensory symptoms are triggered when you try to relax or sleep sensory symptoms ease up when you move Even if all the criteria are met, you'll probably still need a physical examination. Your doctor will want to check for other neurological reasons for your symptoms. Be sure to provide information about any over-the-counter and prescription medications and supplements you take. And tell your doctor if you have any known chronic health conditions. Blood tests will check for iron and other deficiencies or abnormalities. If there's any sign that something besides RLS is involved, you may be referred to a sleep specialist, neurologist, or other specialist. It may be harder to diagnose RLS in children who aren't able to describe their symptoms. Home remedies for restless legs syndrome Home remedies, while unlikely to completely eliminate symptoms, may help reduce them. It may take some trial and error to find the remedies that are most helpful. Here are a few you can try: Reduce or eliminate your intake of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. Strive for a regular sleep schedule, with the same bedtime and wake-up time every day of the week. Get some exercise every day, such as walking or swimming. Massage or stretch your leg muscles in the evening. Soak in a hot bath before bed. Use a heating pad or ice pack when you experience symptoms. Practice yoga or meditation. When scheduling things that require prolonged sitting, such as a car or plane trip, try to arrange them for earlier in the day rather than later. If you have an iron or other nutritional deficiency, ask your doctor or nutritionist how to improve your diet. Talk to your doctor before adding dietary supplements. It can be harmful to take certain supplements if you aren't deficient. These options may be useful even if you take medication to manage RLS. Medications for restless legs syndrome Medication won't cure RLS, but it can help manage symptoms. Some options are: Drugs that increase dopamine (dopaminergic agents) These medications help decrease motion in your legs. Drugs in this group include: pramipexole (Mirapex) ropinirole (Requip) rotigotine (Neupro) Side effects may include mild lightheadedness and nausea. These medications can become less effective over time. In some people, they can cause daytime sleepiness impulse control disorders, and worsening of RLS symptoms. Sleep aids and muscle relaxants (benzodiazepines) These medications don't completely eliminate symptoms, but they can help you relax and sleep better. Drugs in this group include: clonazepam (Klonopin) eszopiclone (Lunesta) temazepam (Restoril) zaleplon (Sonata) zolpidem (Ambien) Side effects include daytime sleepiness. Narcotics (opioids) These medications can decrease pain and strange sensations and help you relax. Drugs in this group include: codeine oxycodone (Oxycontin) combined hydrocodone and acetaminophen (Norco) combined oxycodone and acetaminophen (Percocet, Roxicet) Side effects may include dizziness and nausea. You should not use these products if you have sleep apnea. These medicines are powerful and addicting. Anticonvulsants These medications help lessen sensory disturbances: gabapentin (Neurontin) gabapentin enacarbil (Horizant) pregabalin (Lyrica) Side effects may include dizziness and fatigue. It may take several attempts before you find the right medication. Your doctor will adjust the medication and dosage as your symptoms change. Children can experience the same tingling and pulling sensations in their legs as adults with RLS. But they may have a hard time describing it. They might call it a 'creepy crawly' feeling. Children with RLS also have an overwhelming urge to move their legs. They're more likely than adults to have symptoms during the day. RLS can interfere with sleep, which can affect every aspect of life. A child with RLS may seem inattentive, irritable, or fidgety. They may be labeled disruptive or hyperactive. Diagnosing and treating RLS can help address these problems and improve school performance. To diagnose RLS in children up to age 12, the adult criteria must be met: overwhelming urge to move, usually accompanied by strange sensations symptoms worsen at night symptoms are triggered when you try to relax or sleep symptoms ease up when you move Additionally, the child must be able to describe the leg sensations in their own words. Otherwise, two of these must be true: There's a clinical sleep disturbance for age. A biological parent or sibling had RLS. A sleep study confirms a periodic limb movement index of five or more per hour of sleep. Any dietary deficiencies must be addressed. Children with RLS should avoid caffeine and develop good bedtime habits. If necessary, medications that affect dopamine, benzodiazepines, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed. Diet recommendations for people with restless legs syndrome There aren't any specific dietary guidelines for people with RLS. But it's a good idea to review your diet to make sure you're getting enough essential vitamins and nutrients. Try to cut high-calorie processed foods with little or no nutritional value. Some people with symptoms of RLS are deficient in particular vitamins and minerals. If that's the case, you can make some changes to your diet or take dietary supplements. It all depends on what your test results show. If you're deficient in iron, try adding more of these iron-rich foods to your diet: dark green leafy vegetables peas dried fruit beans red meat and pork poultry and seafood iron-fortified foods such as certain cereals, pasta, and bread Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron, so you might also want to pair iron-rich foods with these sources of vitamin C: citrus juices grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, strawberries, kiwi, melons tomatoes, peppers broccoli, leafy greens Caffeine is tricky. It can trigger symptoms of RLS in some people, but actually helps others. It's worth a little experimentation to see if caffeine affects your symptoms. Alcohol can make RLS worse, plus it's known to disrupt sleep. Try to avoid it, especially in the evening. Restless legs syndrome and sleep Those strange sensations in your legs can be uncomfortable or painful. And those symptoms can make it almost impossible to fall asleep and stay asleep. Sleep deprivation and fatigue are dangerous to your health and well-being. In addition to working with your doctor to find relief, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of restful sleep: Inspect your mattress and pillows. If they're old and lumpy, it may be time to replace them. It's also worth investing in comfortable sheets, blankets, and pajamas. Make sure window shades or curtains block outside light. Remove all digital devices, including clocks, away from your bed. Remove bedroom clutter. Keep your bedroom temperature on the cool side so you don't get overheated. Put yourself on a sleep schedule. Try to go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, even on weekends. It'll help support a natural sleep rhythm. Stop using electronic devices at least one hour before bedtime. Just before bedtime, massage your legs or take a hot bath or shower. Try sleeping with a pillow between your legs. It might help prevent your nerves from compressing and triggering symptoms. Restless legs syndrome and pregnancy Symptoms of RLS can spring up for the first time during pregnancy, usually in the last trimester. Data suggests that pregnant women may have two or three times higher risk of RLS. The reasons for this aren't well-understood. Some possibilities are vitamin or mineral deficiencies, hormonal changes, or nerve compression. Pregnancy can also cause leg cramps and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms can be hard to distinguish from RLS. If you're pregnant and have symptoms of RLS, talk to your doctor. You may need to be tested for iron or other deficiencies. You can also try some of these home care techniques: Avoid sitting still for prolonged periods, especially in the evening. Try to get a little exercise every day, even if it's just an afternoon walk. Massage your legs or perform leg stretching exercises before bed. Try using heat or cold on your legs when they're bothering you. Stick to a regular sleep schedule. Avoid antihistamines, caffeine, smoking, and alcohol. Make sure you're getting all the nutrients you need from your diet or from prenatal vitamins. Some of the medications used to treat RLS are not safe to use during pregnancy. RLS in pregnancy usually goes away on its own within weeks after giving birth. If it doesn't, see your doctor about other remedies. Be sure to mention if you are breast-feeding. Restless arm, restless body, and other related conditions It's called restless 'leg' syndrome, but it can also affect your arms, trunk, or head. Both sides of the body are usually involved, but some people have it on only one side. Despite these differences, it's the same disorder. About 80 percent of people with RLS also have periodic limb movement of sleep (PLMS). This causes involuntary leg twitching or jerking during sleep that can last all night long. Peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, and kidney failure cause symptoms like RLS. Treating the underlying condition often helps. Many people with Parkinson's disease also have RLS. But most people who have RLS don't go on to develop Parkinson's. The same medications can improve symptoms of both conditions. It's not uncommon for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) to have sleep disturbances, including restless legs, limbs, and body. They're also prone to muscles spasms and cramps. Medication used to combat fatigue associated with chronic diseases can also cause this. Medication adjustments and home remedies may help. Pregnant women are at higher risk of RLS. It usually resolves on its own after the baby is born. Anyone can have occasional leg cramps or strange sensations that come and go. When symptoms interfere with sleep, see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Be sure to mention any underlying health conditions. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, RLS affects about 10 percent of Americans. This includes one million school-age children. Among people with RLS, 35 percent had symptoms before age 20. One in ten report symptoms by age 10. Symptoms tend to worsen with age. Incidence is twice as high in women as in men. Pregnant women may have two or three times higher risk than the general population. It's more common in people of Northern European descent than in other ethnicities. Certain antihistamines, antinausea, antidepressant, or antipsychotic medications can trigger or worsen symptoms of RLS. About 80 percent of people with RLS also have a disorder called periodic limb movement of sleep (PLMS). PLMS involves involuntary leg twitching or jerking every 15 to 40 seconds during sleep. Most people with PLMS don't have RLS. Most of the time, the cause of RLS isn't obvious. But more than 40 percent of people with RLS have some family history of the condition. When it runs in the family, symptoms usually start before age 40. There are five gene variants associated with RLS. The change in the BTBD9 gene associated with higher risk of RLS is present in about 75 percent of people with RLS. It's also found in about 65 percent of people without RLS.
Daily Mail
07-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
I died for eight minutes... my encounter proves the soul never dies
She died for eight minutes, no pulse, no breath, and no brain activity, and then came back to life with a chilling, vivid story about death. Brianna Lafferty, a 33-year-old woman from Colorado, was battling a life-threatening neurological disorder when, as she describes it, her body simply 'gave up.' She was pronounced clinically dead, but according to her, her consciousness did not die with her. 'Death is an illusion because our soul never dies. Our consciousness remains alive. And our very essence simply transforms,' Lafferty said. 'I did not see or remember my human self. I was completely still, yet I felt fully alive, aware, and more myself than ever before.' Lafferty suffers from myoclonus dystonia, a rare neurological condition that causes involuntary muscle jerks and can disrupt bodily functions. During one of her medical crises, she flatlined. Before she lost full physical awareness, she said she heard a voice asking if she was ready, then everything went dark. What happened next, she said, defies scientific explanation. She described her soul 'floating' above her lifeless body and entering a realm where time did not exist. Near-death experiences (NDEs) are complex and not fully understood, but scientific research suggests they are likely neurological phenomena arising from specific brain activity during moments of critical illness or near-death. While various theories exist, a key aspect involves the brain's continued activity, even after the heart stops, potentially leading to altered states of consciousness and vivid perceptions. But Lafferty is sure she died, experienced life after death and returned to the world of the living. 'I was suddenly separated from my physical body,' Lafferty said. 'There was no pain, just a deep sense of peace and clarity. This detachment from my physical form made me realize how temporary and fragile our human experience is.' She also claimed that she noticed something extraordinary, her thoughts began to shape her surroundings in the afterlife. 'My thoughts instantly materialized,' said Lafferty. 'I realized that our thoughts shape reality there, it just takes time, which is a blessing.' After she was revived, Lafferty had to relearn how to walk and speak. She underwent experimental brain surgery to treat damage to her pituitary gland. Though she fears the possibility of another near-death experience, she no longer fears death itself. 'It changed the course of my life,' she said. 'What I feared no longer had power over me, and what I used to chase didn't seem important anymore.' Though her account is deeply personal, it resonates with findings from a recent study that suggests awareness may persist long after the heart stops. Researchers across 25 hospitals in the US, UK, and Bulgaria tracked 567 patients who suffered cardiac arrest in hospital settings. The study, published in Resuscitation, used EEG monitors to measure brain wave activity during CPR. Nearly 40 percent of the patients monitored during resuscitation showed signs of brain activity associated with consciousness, some as long as 60 minutes after their hearts had stopped. Dr Sam Parnia, the study's lead author and director of critical care and resuscitation research at New York University (NYU) Langone, said the findings may offer a glimpse into what happens as we die. 'These experiences provide a glimpse into a real, yet little-understood dimension of human consciousness that becomes uncovered with death,' Parnia said. In one case, a woman believed she was being tortured in hell as a nurse inserted an IV, a traumatic, semi-conscious moment that may have been interpreted through a haze of near-death awareness. Lafferty described a similarly surreal experience as she encountered 'other beings' that didn't seem human but felt oddly familiar. She also described the presence of a 'higher intelligence' watching over her with what she called 'unconditional love,' a moment that altered her perception of life and death. 'There's a presence, or intelligence, higher than ourselves that guides and watches over us with unconditional love,' she said. The NYU-led study is among the strongest scientific evidence yet that consciousness may persist after clinical death, and that memory, perception, and awareness do not necessarily stop the moment the heart does. As for Lafferty, the experience left her with a sense of clarity, and a belief that life's pain has meaning. 'I feel empowered and trust life's events, especially the hard ones,' she said. 'Everything happens for a reason.'
Daily Mail
06-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
I died for eight minutes... my encounter with divine beings proves the soul never dies
She died for eight minutes, no pulse, no breath, and no brain activity, and then came back to life with a chilling, vivid story about death. Brianna Lafferty, a 33-year-old woman from Colorado, was battling a life-threatening neurological disorder when, as she describes it, her body simply 'gave up.' She was pronounced clinically dead, but according to her, her consciousness did not die with her. 'Death is an illusion because our soul never dies. Our consciousness remains alive. And our very essence simply transforms,' Lafferty said. 'I did not see or remember my human self. I was completely still, yet I felt fully alive, aware, and more myself than ever before.' Lafferty suffers from myoclonus dystonia, a rare neurological condition that causes involuntary muscle jerks and can disrupt bodily functions. During one of her medical crises, she flatlined. Before she lost full physical awareness, she said she heard a voice asking if she was ready, then everything went dark. What happened next, she said, defies scientific explanation. She described her soul 'floating' above her lifeless body and entering a realm where time did not exist. Near-death experiences (NDEs) are complex and not fully understood, but scientific research suggests they are likely neurological phenomena arising from specific brain activity during moments of critical illness or near-death. While various theories exist, a key aspect involves the brain's continued activity, even after the heart stops, potentially leading to altered states of consciousness and vivid perceptions. But Lafferty is sure she died, experienced life after death and returned to the world of the living. 'I was suddenly separated from my physical body,' Lafferty said. 'There was no pain, just a deep sense of peace and clarity. This detachment from my physical form made me realize how temporary and fragile our human experience is.' She also claimed that she noticed something extraordinary, her thoughts began to shape her surroundings in the afterlife. 'My thoughts instantly materialized,' said Lafferty. 'I realized that our thoughts shape reality there, it just takes time, which is a blessing.' After she was revived, Lafferty had to relearn how to walk and speak. She underwent experimental brain surgery to treat damage to her pituitary gland. Though she fears the possibility of another near-death experience, she no longer fears death itself. 'It changed the course of my life,' she said. 'What I feared no longer had power over me, and what I used to chase didn't seem important anymore.' Though her account is deeply personal, it resonates with findings from a recent study that suggests awareness may persist long after the heart stops. Researchers across 25 hospitals in the US, UK, and Bulgaria tracked 567 patients who suffered cardiac arrest in hospital settings. The study, published in Resuscitation, used EEG monitors to measure brain wave activity during CPR. Nearly 40 percent of the patients monitored during resuscitation showed signs of brain activity associated with consciousness, some as long as 60 minutes after their hearts had stopped. Dr Sam Parnia, the study's lead author and director of critical care and resuscitation research at New York University (NYU) Langone, said the findings may offer a glimpse into what happens as we die. 'These experiences provide a glimpse into a real, yet little-understood dimension of human consciousness that becomes uncovered with death,' Parnia said. In one case, a woman believed she was being tortured in hell as a nurse inserted an IV, a traumatic, semi-conscious moment that may have been interpreted through a haze of near-death awareness. Near-death experiences (NDEs) are complex and not fully understood, but scientific research suggests they are likely neurological phenomena arising from specific brain activity during moments of critical illness or near-death Lafferty described a similarly surreal experience as she encountered 'other beings' that didn't seem human but felt oddly familiar. She also described the presence of a 'higher intelligence' watching over her with what she called 'unconditional love,' a moment that altered her perception of life and death. 'There's a presence, or intelligence, higher than ourselves that guides and watches over us with unconditional love,' she said. The NYU-led study is among the strongest scientific evidence yet that consciousness may persist after clinical death, and that memory, perception, and awareness do not necessarily stop the moment the heart does. As for Lafferty, the experience left her with a sense of clarity, and a belief that life's pain has meaning. 'I feel empowered and trust life's events, especially the hard ones,' she said. 'Everything happens for a reason.'
CNN
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Dr. Sanjay Gupta demonstrates shunt procedure that might treat Billy Joel's neurological disorder
Dr. Sanjay Gupta demonstrates shunt procedure that might treat Billy Joel's neurological disorder Singer-songwriter Billy Joel was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a rare disorder that affects the brain. CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers a viewer's question about treatment options that can help return cognition and mobility. 02:06 - Source: CNN Vertical Trending Now 16 videos Dr. Sanjay Gupta demonstrates shunt procedure that might treat Billy Joel's neurological disorder Singer-songwriter Billy Joel was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a rare disorder that affects the brain. CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers a viewer's question about treatment options that can help return cognition and mobility. 02:06 - Source: CNN Should Sean 'Diddy' Combs testify? CNN's Laura Coates speaks with Benjamin Chew, co-lead counsel for Johnny Depp in his defamation trial, about whether Sean "Diddy" Combs should testify in his high stakes criminal trial. 01:55 - Source: CNN SpaceX Starship outperforms previous missions this year Regrouping after two consecutive explosions, SpaceX launched the 9th test flight of Starship, the most powerful rocket ever built. The mission marks the first time the company reused a Super Heavy booster from a previous flight. 01:55 - Source: CNN Two birds found onboard Delta flight A flight from Minneapolis to Madison, Wisconsin, was delayed for about an hour after two birds tried to stow away on a Delta Air Lines flight. 00:44 - Source: CNN Trump pardons reality TV couple Todd and Julie Chrisley President Donald Trump has signed full pardons for imprisoned reality show couple Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were sentenced to lengthy prison terms in 2022 for a conspiracy to defraud banks out of more than $30 million, according to a White House official. CNN's Kaitlan Collins reports. 01:07 - Source: CNN Former 'Diddy' employee describes alleged abuse Former employee for Sean 'Diddy' Combs, Capricorn Clark, took the stand to testify in the federal trial against her long-time boss, seemingly corroborating accounts from witnesses Cassie Ventura and rapper Kid Cudi. Capricorn alleges Combs made threats and carried out acts of violence against her, including forced lie-detector tests Capricorn claims to have been administered by Combs' security guard while she was held. 02:37 - Source: CNN All-American Rejects singer talks house party tour The All-American Rejects lead singer Tyson Ritter joined CNN News Central to talk about his band's house party tour that started as a protest against pricey arena shows. 01:34 - Source: CNN 'Duck Dynasty' star dies at 79 Phil Robertson, patriarch of the reality show 'Duck Dynasty,' has died at 79, according to a family statement. Robertson founded Duck Commander, a business making duck hunting supplies, which later became the center of A&E's hit show. 01:06 - Source: CNN Truck explodes after possible propane leak A home security camera caught the moment when a box truck driving through a residential neighborhood exploded in Addison, Illinois. The driver walked away with only minor injuries, CNN affiliate WLS reports. 00:36 - Source: CNN Teens help rescue family from garage fire CNN's Fredricka Whitfield speaks with Aiden Kane and Tyler Sojda, who helped rescue a family in Marcy, New York from a garage fire after spotting the flames while driving home from junior prom. 01:16 - Source: CNN Where Kermit the Frog's tea meme came from Kermit the Frog tells CNN's Sara Sidner his thoughts on being an infamous part of meme culture. 00:41 - Source: CNN Verdict reached in Paris robbery of Kim Kardashian After a weekslong trial, eight people behind the multimillion-dollar armed robbery of Kim Kardashian in Paris were found guilty. Most of them received prison sentences, portions of which were suspended, but all will walk free due to time already served. 00:43 - Source: CNN Anderson catches up with man sailing around the world Anderson Cooper speaks with Oliver Widger for an update on his viral adventures sailing across the world. Widger quit his job, liquidated his 401(k) and bought a sailboat to see the world with his rescue cat, Phoenix. 01:55 - Source: CNN See moment OceanGate team noticed something wrong Newly released video shows OceanGate founder and CEO Stockton Rush's wife, Wendy Rush, who was working on the communications and tracking team, notice the sound of a 'bang' while monitoring the submersible. The Titan submersible imploded on June 18, 2023, killing all five passengers on board. 00:49 - Source: CNN 'The Points Guy' on the best deals for summer travel Brian Kelly, founder of breaks down the best deals for summer travel and how to make the most of your frequent flyer miles. 01:00 - Source: CNN
