Why do we feel 'déjà vu'?

Have you had that strange feeling of having lived exactly that moment before?

This intriguing experience is the famous “Déjà Vu” (from the French, “already seen”), and believe me, it is much more common than you think!

Today, let's dive into the fascinating world of neuroscience to unravel the mysteries behind this sensation beyond curious.

Get ready to explore the scientific theories that try to explain why sometimes our brain preaches us this piece!

The Dance of Memory: Unraveling the scientific secrets of Déjà Vu

Who has never experienced that tip of inexplicable familiarity?

This fleeting and mysterious sensation is Déjà Vu, a phenomenon that intrigues scientists and philosophers for centuries.

Far from being a lapse in the matrix or a premonition, Déjà VU has fascinating scientific explanations that involve the complex functioning of our brain and the way we process memories.

1. The hypothesis of the “short circuit” in memory ⚡

One of the most popular theories suggests that Déjà VU can be caused by a small “choking” in the processing of memory in our brain.

Imagine that sensory information about this moment (what you see, listens, feels) usually follows a way to short -term memory and then to long -term memory where it is stored and recovered.

The hypothesis of the short circuit proposes that, at times, this sensory information can “skip” the short-term memory stage and go directly to long-term memory.

This would make the brain interpret the present experience as something already stored, generating that strange feeling of familiarity.

It is as if the present were erroneously "filed" as passed.

2. The theory of “double processing” or temporal discronization ⏳

Another interesting explanation involves the idea that our brain processes information in different areas and speeds.

Double processing theory suggests that sometimes there may be a slight discronization at a time when this information reaches the areas responsible for perception and memory.

In this scenario, part of your brain can process the experience a little faster than another.

This small time difference would make you notice the current moment as something that has already been processed (even if it was just a fraction of a second before), creating the feeling of Déjà Vu.

It is as if the "now" come to your brain in two slightly lagged "waves".

3. Memory recovery failures: an almost accessed “file” 🕵️‍♀️

A third theory focuses on failures in the way we recover the memories.

Déjà VU could occur when a present experience shares (visual, sound, olfactory) elements with an ancient memory that is not fully accessible to our consciousness.

In this case, the brain would recognize these familiar elements, but could not access the complete memory.

Essa “ponta” de familiaridade, sem a lembrança completa, poderia gerar a estranha sensação de déjà vu.

It's like trying to remember the name of someone you know, but I can only feel that you know you.

4. The perspective of epileptic micro-crisis 🧠 (in specific cases)

Although most occurrences of Déjà VU are brief and harmless, in some cases rarer and more frequent, the phenomenon may be associated with epileptic micrishes that affect the temporal lobe of the brain, an important area for memory and recognition.

In such cases, Déjà VU may be accompanied by other unusual sensations.

If you experience Déjà Vu very often or intensely, it is important to seek medical attention to investigate this possibility.

5. The role of familiarity and recognition 👁️👂👃

A simpler theory suggests that Déjà VU may be the result of a sense of exaggerated familiarity with a new experience.

Our brain is constantly trying to find patterns and recognize what we have seen, hear or feel.

In some situations, a unique combination of sensory elements in a new environment can evoke a strong sense of familiarity, even if there is no specific memory.

It is as if the brain said, "Hey, it seems familiar to me!"

The riddle persists: science continues to unravel the déjà vu

Despite the various theories and advances in neuroscience, Déjà Vu is still a complex phenomenon and not all its mysteries have been completely unveiled.

The fleeting and unpredictable nature of the sensation makes it difficult to study in the laboratory.

Each new discovery brings us a little closer to understanding this peculiar dance between the perception of the present and the depths of our memory.

Who knows what secrets our brain still reserves us?

Have you ever felt déjà vu?

And if you found this fascinating scientific exploitation, share this article with your curious friends!