All,
I am sure this topic has been explored here many times, however I would like to ask what the transition may be like for those with severe dementia? I have a friend whose wife just passed, and she was in the final stages of Alzheimer's. So I am curious and a bit worried for her.  Thanks.

This is one of my major issues with the afterlife theory. Proving that mind and body are separate seems a key goal to prove the afterlife, yet, as science will clearly show, the brain is directly related to everything that we are......

At least on the surface.

Lastly, any data and studies that attempt to prove that mind and body are separate are nowhere near as convincing as the ones that show the obvious effects that the mind and body are one.

There are some great books of late that have been written debunking the mainstream science answer to the afterlife. Science can't find consciousness anywhere in the brain but they think they have proof that the brain supplies it. But that proof is based on assumptions that have already been taken on. Chris Carter has written a great book on this subject and I mention the title in another post from a few months ago, but it escapes me at the moment as I lent the book to a friend after I read it.

Wait, here is the link at amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Science-Near-Death-Experience-Consciousness-Survives/dp/15...

Still he sites some sketchy evidence in places but he uses very little of it and he really explores the evidence that is pretty obvious and the evidence that certain scientists use to make their assertions. In the end its up to the reader to decide of course, but being informed I think would be paramount.

When you say "Mind" it kind of requires a definition for the purpose of discussion I think. I would respond that the mind is an incessant babbler and very much associated with the brain. Consciousness however is the interpreter of data before it gets acted on by the mind and it is the energy aspect of, (I don't know about eternal but,) life beyond this one physical existence.

In terms of posting the evidence I just need to know what I am refuting. So if you post some scientific data proving that the brain produces consciousness I will try to find the sources I have seen that will refute that evidence and then I suppose one could then refute that. There is a great deal of information out there for both points of view. Is it proof positive? I don't think so. It is the subjective experience that is going to make the greatest impression on someone. But that being said, it is not a daunting task to figure out there are more possibilities, perhaps even more likely ones, than those offered by mainstream science.

Terethian,
"I think it would be helpful to myself and others if we use this thread as an opportunity to post evidence of separation of mind and body."

Along with the coat and magnifying glass, one dude/dudette who REALLY wants to go the astral and a rope. Tie the rope to something sturdy. Rope around the neck of the subject and let go. Study the split. Every body's different, but very possible that the arms have adopted a born to be wild attitude, even though the mind wants for 'em to play dead too.

With that much life and self-determination in the arms, I'd actually be quite pleasant if they sometimes unhooked and got some milk in the store.

That's exactly why this topic is so fascinating, Calypso!   
No one is too sure of the edges of those realms.

Brain does seem to be mostly for the body and other physical matters (like figuring income tax  , naming flowers, etc.) Brain doesn't equal mind.

Consciousness can exist separate from the physical body, as it goes with us when we're OB, phasing, etc. It connects to other sources, specifically The Source.

Mind might be the personal store of consciousness, but I'm not sure about that.

Hope you get some other 'answers.'
Bets

Hi Bardo

Most sources say that the brain doesn't go into the afterlife, but if thoughts have become deep-set attitudes then those attitudes and interests can carry over.

In the afterlife there are healing places for people who think they are still sick, which in the long run is an attitude about themselves.  They stay in the healing place until they become convinced, with the help of loved ones or helpers, that they are well. (I believe I've visited several souls in the afterlife who have been in these healing states. It's all for the good.)

That's a general overview to a rather general inquiry. If there were anything more specific you could add, you'd probably get a more specific answer.   

Betson

For me, its a question of virtual reality. Once free of the physical world rule set the consciousness heals if you will or better yet recovers from the illusion that was imposed on the virtual brain that was the means to process information. It is a good system that has evolved over a long period. A brain damaged person is not a damaged consciousness but the ability to express in the physical can be greatly hampered. Its just an opinion based subjective research and a lot reading.