Decreased Appetite and Thirst: As the body begins to shut down, the need for food and water diminishes, and the desire to eat and drink decreases significantly.
Fatigue and Sleep: Increased sleep and difficulty waking up are common as the body conserves energy and prepares for the end.
Labored Breathing: Changes in breathing patterns, including irregular breaths, long pauses, and shallow breaths, indicate the body’s declining function.
Coolness and Discoloration: Extremities like hands, feet, and knees may become cool to the touch and develop a bluish or mottled appearance due to decreased circulation.
Confusion and Disorientation: Mental confusion, hallucinations, and disorientation occur as the brain receives less oxygen and blood flow.
Withdrawal and Unresponsiveness: The person may withdraw from social interactions and become less responsive to the environment, focusing inward.
Decreased Urine Output: Reduced kidney function leads to a decrease in urine output and changes in its color, indicating the body’s declining ability to process fluids.
Restlessness and Agitation: Physical restlessness or agitation, sometimes called terminal restlessness, can occur as the body and mind struggle in the final stages of life.