CENTER FOR RESEARCH IN
COGNITION & NEUROSCIENCES/ConnexConnex

This seminar consists in 3 short talks about time perception by 3 master students (filière approfondie) of Prof. Adélaïde de Heering.

1. The effect of photoperiodicity in subjective time perception (by Burda Andrea):
Photoperiodicity, referring to the natural cycle of light and darkness, plays an important role in the organisms' biological rhythms. Isolated, confined, and extreme (ICE) environments like those encountered in space missions or Antarctic stations are characterized by an altered photoperiodicity. This may disrupt circadian rhythms and influence subjective time perception as observed 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 is characterized by cognitive impairments, including disrupted memory, time orientation, and planning abilities. This presentation examines how individuals with Alzheimer’s disease estimate time both prospectively and retrospectively. Understanding time perception in Alzheimer’s disease could indeed enhance patient autonomy and reduce distress, highlighting its potential clinical relevance. It could also provide early behavioral markers for diagnosis and monitoring disease progression.

3. Does post-traumatic stress disorder alters subjective time perception ? (by Auger Charlotte)
PTSD is a major global health issue, with low remission rates from trauma-focused therapies. While time perception (TP) distortions have been observed in various psychiatric conditions, research on PTSD remains limited. Emerging studies suggest that 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. Further investigation into subjective TP in this population is clinically and scientifically essential given the psychological impact and prevalence.

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