CENTER FOR RESEARCH IN
COGNITION & NEUROSCIENCES/ConnexConnex

This seminar consists in 3 short talks by 3 master students of Prof. Adélaïde De Heering.

1. The effect of photoperiodicity in subjective time perception (by Burda Andrea):
Research on isolated, confined, and extreme (ICE) environments—like space missions or Antarctic stations—helps prepare for deep space travel. A key feature of ICE settings is altered photoperiodicity, which may disrupt circadian rhythms and influence subjective time perception. Changes in light exposure and stagnant zeitgebers can distort temporal experience, as seen in Antarctic crews. However, findings remain preliminary, and the mechanisms behind these alterations are still not fully understood.

2. Prospective and retrospective time perception in Alzheimer’s disease (by Teresa Ávila):
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) involves cognitive impairments, including disrupted time perception, planning, and attention. This presentation explores how AD affects prospective (aware) and retrospective (unaware) time estimation. Studying these aspects may offer early behavioral markers for diagnosis and monitoring disease progression. Understanding time perception in AD could also help reduce patient distress and support greater autonomy, highlighting its potential clinical relevance beyond cognitive decline.

3. Does post-traumatic stress disorder alters subjective time perception ? (by Auger Charlotte)
This presentation explores the potential link between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alterations in subjective time perception (TP). PTSD is a major global health issue, with low remission rates from trauma-focused therapies. While TP distortions have been observed in various psychiatric conditions, research on PTSD remains limited. Emerging studies suggest trauma may lead to time overestimation or a slowed sense of time. This is especially relevant for sexual violence victims, a high-risk group for PTSD. Given the psychological impact and prevalence, further investigation into subjective TP in this population is clinically and scientifically essential.

Bertelson room (Bat. D, 10th floor, Solbosch campus, Ixelles)