Factors that can improve Intelligence Quotient

The IQ of an individual is multi-factorial, and is determined by a multitude of factors. Nature and nurture work together in determining human intelligence. Human IQ is characterised by a high level of heritability. However, various modifiable environmental factors, like education, premature birth, nutrition, pollution, drug and alcohol abuse, mental illnesses and diseases, can have an influence on an individual’s IQ by reinforcing or weakening genetic susceptibility.

- Dr Arun Oommen

Although IQ attempts to measure some notion of intelligence, it may fail to act as an accurate measure of intelligence. IQ tests only examine particular areas of intelligence, failing to account for certain areas which are also associated with intelligence, such as creativity or emotional intelligence.

Genetics accounts for around 50% as per many studies and increasing with age. Shared and nonshared environment account for 25% and 20%, respectively and the latter 5% being represented by errors in the evaluation of the cognitive abilities. However, the role played by genetics and environment does not remain the same during the entire lifetime. People with high IQ genotypes pick stimulating environments and end up with high IQ. When we’re kids the brain is still growing and developing so there’s the chance for environment (mental stimulation and nutrition) to affect its development, but by the time we’re adults the brain has peaked, so environment can no longer affect it very much. Ronald Wilson presented the first clear and compelling evidence that the heritability of IQ increases with age (Wilson effect). During brain aging, several environmental insults can produce a neuronal damage by inducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Neurons protection and repair play a crucial role in order to prevent neuronal damage. These defence and repair processes are genetically determined. However, there is still so much limitations of our current knowledge about the particular genes involved in determining IQ.

Factors that affect IQ

Genetic