Some people who received a donor heart after surgery noticed the emergence of unusual memories, as well as unexpected changes in their character or habits. A group of Arab researchers recently examined evidence in the scientific literature of such experiences previously described by patients. But the allegedly sensational review looks extremely dubious for several reasons.

Some heart transplant patients believe that some of the donor’s personality traits, preferences, and even past experiences may have been transferred to them along with the organ. In the article,
published in the magazine CureusDoctors from various universities in Saudi Arabia are also discussing such a possibility.

Among the examples cited by Arab scientists as evidence is the case of a nine-year-old boy who received a heart transplant from a three-year-old girl who drowned in her home pool. Although she had no idea how the boy’s donor died, the mother later said her son was “deathly afraid of water” after the transplant.

In another episode, a college professor who received the heart of a police officer shot in the face began seeing bright lights in his dreams and felt warmth on his face. Post-transplant patients also described changing or developing new preferences in food, music, interests, and sexual relationships.

Some reported dreams corresponding to the donor’s personality or circumstances of death. These and other cases were previously cited in a scientific paper published in 2002. Close Magazine Death Studies (“Journal of research on near-death experiences”).

“Emerging evidence suggests that donor personality traits and memories can be transferred to the recipient during heart transplantation, challenging traditional notions of memory and human identity,” the authors of the new review write.

Among the hypotheses explaining this possibility, researchers have mentioned the concept. cellular memorythe theory of transfer of memories with the help of protein or RNA molecules and other scientifically controversial ideas. According to modern concepts, memory is stored only in neurons in the brain. In addition, many experts have stated that cases similar to those previously described may be coincidences or may be the patient’s psychological reaction after a major surgery and near death.

Researchers from McGill University (Canada) found that changes in appetite and attitude towards food may be associated with the use of immunosuppressive drugs prescribed to organ transplant patients. In addition, some recipients may experience changes in personality and character after transplantation, even before the operation, which may contribute to such metamorphoses.

Another factor that casts doubt on the seriousness of new studies is the reputation of the journal chosen for publication. In a scientific environment Cureus It has been criticized for hosting redacted versions of articles retracted from other scientific publications due to methodological flaws or “possible violations of medical ethics and human rights.”