This report describes an unexplained death following the collapse of w
ill caused by resisted mechanical restraint in a 93-year-old woman wit
h dementia. Clinical and experimental evidence is cited supporting res
isted restraint as a significant noxious stimulus that can be linked t
o sudden death and immune dysfunction. This woman's story serves to re
mind us of the critical link between mind and body, and of the mortal
consequences possible when we forget.