Threshold

The first major account of terminal lucidity—the remarkable return of clarity and cognition at the end of life.

Terminal lucidity is a relatively common but poorly understood phenomenon. Near the end of life, many people—including those who have suffered brain injuries or strokes, or have been silenced by mental illness or deep dementia—experience what seems a miraculous return. They regain their clarity and energy, are able to talk with families and caregivers, recall their lives and often appear to be aware of their nearing death.

In this remarkable book, cognitive scientist and director of the Viktor Frankl Institute Dr Alexander Batthyany offers the first major account of terminal lucidity, utilising hundreds of case studies and his research in the related field of near-death studies to explore the mind, the body, the nature of consciousness, and what the living can learn from those who are crossing the border from life to death.

Astonishing, authoritative, and deeply moving, Threshold opens a doorway into one of life's—and death's—most provocative mysteries.

'This is a terrific book. Dr Batthyany has created an enlightening examination of the phenomenon that is very familiar to those who care for the terminally ill and their families. Threshold should have a positive effect on the care of the terminally ill.'
-Dr Raymond Moody, author of Life After Life

'Captivating ... This engaging examination of consciousness in the borderland between life and death explores our sense of self, how our identities are tied to our bodies, and what happens when those links are severed. Threshold is guaranteed to challenge your concepts of who you are.'
-Dr Bruce Greyson, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences at University of Virginia, and author of After: a doctor explores what Near-Death Experiences reveal about life and beyond

'In his groundbreaking book, Threshold, Alexander Batthyany skillfully and magically describes the mystery and miracle of terminal lucidity, raising the existential question about what exactly is "self" and what happens after one's journey of life reaches its completion.'
-Dr Rudolph E. Tanzi, New York Times bestselling author of Super Brain and The Healing Self