A study led by researchers at Azienda USL–IRCCS di Reggio Emilia explored the dreams and visions reported by terminally ill patients in their final days. These experiences, known as end-of-life dreams and visions (ELDVs), often included comforting encounters with deceased loved ones or symbolic imagery. The study, published in the journal Death Studies, involved interviews with 239 palliative care professionals in Italy, who shared accounts of patients describing these visions to medical staff and hospice volunteers. One of the most common themes was the reunion with loved ones, with many patients describing the presence of a deceased spouse, parent, or even a beloved pet. In one case, a woman dreamed of her late husband saying, "I'm waiting for you." Other visions included symbolic imagery such as climbing toward an open door filled with light, walking barefoot on stairs, or seeing thresholds and bright spaces. Some patients described surreal scenes, like a white horse galloping along a shoreline, suggesting that these dreams can be vivid and cinematic in nature. Scientists involved in the study suggested that these ELDVs may help patients process emotions and thoughts about death in ways that traditional conversation cannot. By using symbolic imagery, patients may be able to express feelings that are difficult to articulate with rational language. This can help them confront fears and hopes related to dying in a more personal and meaningful way. However, not all experiences were comforting—about 10% of the reported visions were distressing, such as a dream of a monster with the patient’s mother’s face dragging her down. These unsettling visions may indicate unmet emotional or clinical needs, such as unresolved conflicts or physical pain. Study leader Elisa Rabitti noted that ELDVs are common but not yet fully understood from a cultural or clinical perspective. The research supports earlier findings that dreams about deceased loved ones become more frequent as death approaches. Christopher Kerr, a lead author and chief medical officer at Hospice Buffalo, emphasized that these visions often involve people who were important in the patient’s life, such as loved ones who provided care or support. He also observed that many patients dream about preparing for death, like packing or getting on a bus. For veterans, these dreams sometimes involved confronting past wounds or emotional burdens.