A recent study reveals that organ transplant recipients may undergo “unexpected” personality changes.
The scientific article titled “Personality Changes Associated with Organ Transplantation” published in the medical journal Transplantology raises the issue of how many organ transplant recipients have experienced significant and lasting changes in their actions, thoughts, and behaviors.
This research, conducted by scientists at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, examined notable personality changes in patients following organ transplantation.
Specifically, the researchers observed the transformations experienced by heart transplant recipients and whether these changes corresponded with those of other organ recipients.
New research shows organ transplant recipients may change personality – (Image: CNN)
The study involved 47 participants who completed an online survey, including 23 heart recipients and 24 recipients of other organs.
The results indicated that 89% of organ transplant recipients reported experiencing personality changes following the transplant surgery.
Specifically, these changes included preferences in food, music, art, careers, intimate relationships, and recreational activities.
Some participants also shared “new” experiences such as enhanced cognitive abilities, improved social and sexual adaptability, or a heightened sense of spirituality… after their transplants.
The research team views these changes as types of “neutral or beneficial transformations”; however, there were also reports of concerning changes such as anxiety, delirium, depression, sexual dysfunction, and mental health disorders following organ transplantation.
Notably, many recipients reported having memories or interests that they had never previously experienced or that were unrelated to their prior personal experiences. They believe these sensory perceptions seem to be connected to the organ donor.
The report provides the example of a 56-year-old university professor who received the heart of a 34-year-old police officer who died after being shot in the face.
After the transplant, the professor recounted a strange experience: “A few weeks after receiving the heart, I began having dreams. I would see a beam of light shining directly into my face, and my face felt extremely hot. It felt as if my face was actually burning.“
Another volunteer reported developing a strong passion for music after receiving a heart from a young musician who passed away in the 1990s. Before the heart transplant, she had never played an instrument or sung.
On the scientific news site Science Alert, experts propose a hypothesis known as “system memory hypothesis.”
This suggests that all living cells have the capacity to remember, implying that memories can be transmitted from the organ donor to the recipient through tissues. Although the neural connections at the transplanted organ may be severed, the nerves can still function within these organs.
