As the fire of knowingness flickers and fades during the concluding hours of a person ’s life-time , their brain continues to action sound in the same way as that of a younger individual who is still full of dome , according to a novel study in the journalScientific Reports . This finding propose that words speak to an unresponsive loved one as they lie on theirdeathbedmay not fall ondeaf ear , and could aid to console them as they slip away .
The study authors used electroencephalography ( EEG ) to monitor activity in the psyche of unconscious patients in the final 60 minutes of their life at a hospice in Vancouver , and compared this to EEG readings from other hospice patient who were still conscious , as well as a healthy dominance group .
Each group was played a serial publication of tone in a recurring design , but with periodic note that did n’t stick to the general trend . The researchers were looking for particular brain signal – live as the MMN , P3a and P3b signal – that are known to fall out in the brain when it mark anomalous sounds .
Reporting their findings , the researcher mark that “ most unresponsive patients showed evidence of MMN response to tone of voice changes , and some showed a P3a or P3b response to either look or pattern changes . Thus , theirauditory systemswere responding similarly to those of young , healthy control just hours from end of life . ”
However , while the mental capacity of these dying individuals may still have been able to recognize certain sounds in the moment before demise , it is not clear-cut whether a somebody in this state can consciously register words or meanings . In astatement , study author Elizabeth Blundon explain that participants ’ “ mind respond to the auditory stimulant , but we ca n’t possibly know if they ’re remembering , discover voices , or understanding speech . ”
In spite of this , co - author Romayne Gallagher insist that “ this inquiry gives credence to the fact that hospice nursemaid and physicians noticed that the sounds of loved single helped comfort people when they were dying .
“ And to me , it adds significant meaning to thelast days and hr of lifeand read that being present , in person or by telephone , is meaningful . It is a consolation to be able-bodied to say goodbye and express love . ”
