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What sense is lost first when dying?

Published in End-of-Life Care 1 min read

Generally, hunger is usually the first sensation to be lost when dying, followed closely by thirst. The order in which senses fade can vary depending on the individual, the cause of death, and other factors, but this is a common progression.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of how senses tend to diminish:

  • Hunger and Thirst: These physiological drives are often the first to fade as the body's need for sustenance and hydration decreases.

  • Speech: Communication becomes increasingly difficult.

  • Vision: Eyesight typically starts to weaken.

  • Touch: Sensitivity to touch diminishes, but is often one of the last senses to fade completely.

  • Hearing: Hearing is often considered the last sense to go.

It is important to remember that this is a generalization. Individual experiences can differ significantly.

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